Synonyms for hesitant
- adjective
Most common
Definitions
- adj. 1
Tending to hesitate, wait, or proceed with caution or reservation.
I am hesitant to recommend him as a manager because he has a short temper.
Example sentences
- reluctant Some soldiers were reluctant to obey the commands.
- cautious Be cautious around the well, accidents can happen.
- timid She seems oddly shy and timid for a press officer.
- hesitating I'm still hesitating whether to go there or not.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| hesitant | rising | |
| reluctant | steady | |
| cautious | rising | |
| timid | steady | |
| hesitating | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- shy1
- 5 letters
- timid2, chary2
- 7 letters
- prudent2
- 8 letters
- cautious2
- 9 letters
- reluctant3
- 10 letters
- indecisive4, hesitating4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (timid2 = 2 syllables).