Synonyms for hesitation
ˌhɛz ɪˈteɪ ʃənhes·i·ta·tion

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:4.5 / 2 votes

1. hesitationnoun

   Doubt is a lack of conviction that may refer either to matters of belief or to matters of practise. As regards belief, while doubt is lack of conviction, disbelief is conviction, to the contrary; unbelief refers to a settled state of mind, generally accompanied with opposition of heart. Perplexity is active and painful; doubt may be quiescent. Perplexity presses toward a solution; doubt may be content to linger unresolved. Any improbable statement awakens incredulity. In theological usage unbelief and skepticism have a condemnatory force, as implying wilful rejection of manifest truth. As regards practical matters, uncertainty applies to the unknown or undecided; doubt implies some negative evidence. Suspense regards the future, and is eager and anxious; uncertainty may relate to any period, and be quite indifferent. Misgiving is ordinarily in regard to the outcome of something already done or decided; hesitation, indecision, and irresolution have reference to something that remains to be decided or done, and are due oftener to infirmity of will than to lack of knowledge. Distrust and suspicion apply especially to the motives, character, etc., of others, and are more decidedly adverse than doubt. Scruple relates to matters of conscience and duty.

   Synonyms:
   disbelief, distrust, doubt, doubt, hesitancy, incredulity, indecision, irresolution, misgiving, perplexity, question, scruple, skepticism, suspense, suspicion, unbelief, uncertainty

   Antonyms:
   assurance, belief, certainty, confidence, conviction, decision, determination, persuasion, resolution, resolve

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. hesitation, vacillation, waveringnoun

   indecision in speech or action

   Synonyms:
   disinclination, falter, reluctance, fluctuation, wavering, indisposition, swinging, swing, faltering, vacillation, waver, hesitancy

2. reluctance, hesitancy, hesitation, disinclination, indispositionnoun

   a certain degree of unwillingness

   "a reluctance to commit himself"; "his hesitancy revealed his basic indisposition"; "after some hesitation he agreed"

   Synonyms:
   disinclination, hesitance, reluctance, falter, wavering, indisposition, faltering, vacillation, waver, hesitancy

3. hesitation, waver, falter, falteringnoun

   the act of pausing uncertainly

   "there was a hesitation in his speech"

   Synonyms:
   disinclination, falter, reluctance, flicker, wavering, indisposition, flutter, faltering, vacillation, waver, hesitancy

Matched Categories

1. • Indecision
   • Pause
   • Unwillingness

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. hesitationnoun

   Synonyms:
   uncertainly, doubt, suspense, hesitancy, vacillation

2. hesitationnoun

   Synonyms:
   faltering, stammering, difficulty of utterance

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. hesitationnoun

   Synonyms:
   indecision, doubt, vacillation, reluctance, wavering

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "hesitation":

   hesitancy, reluctance, vacillation, doubt, indecision, procrastination, reticence, indecisiveness, timidity

How to pronounce hesitation?

How to say hesitation in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use hesitation in a sentence?

1. John Conklin:

   The move is not something we can do administratively, i expect this will move through both houses relatively quickly and I expect the governor will sign it without much hesitation whatsoever.

2. Cindy Frederick:

   He was very kind, very patient and very loving, there was no hesitation – that was impressive in itself. I’m sure [police officers] don’t get long to eat.

3. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe:

   Uncertainty remains over the global economic outlook such as trade frictions and Britain's exit from the European Union, we'll respond to downside risks without hesitation and take flexible and all possible steps.

4. Jennifer Elzea:

   DHS is committed to ensuring that people seeking to participate in activities or utilize services provided at sensitive locations are free to do so without fear or hesitation.

5. Derek Allen:

   Don't get caught in the political conversation, be concerned about your local flock. And if you have any hesitation, err on the side of caution.