as in hesitation
a state or an instance of temporary inaction about the right course of action
her indecision about where to go for dinner, while everyone was getting hungrier by the minute, was frustrating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of indecision
Players are prone to moments of indecision and overreaction.
—
Carl Anka, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
While failing to entice apathetic young voters and generating extraordinary indecision, Uruguay's lackluster electoral campaigns steered clear of the anti-establishment fury that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere in the world, like in the United States and neighboring Argentina.
—Nayara Batschke The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 25 Nov. 2024
Barron is a good skater with a decent shot and strong offensive instincts, but his game in his own end has suffered from moments of indecision and a lack of assertiveness in killing plays, leading to extended shifts in the defensive zone.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024
The Christmas lights are on, party season is in full swing and the debilitating indecision that haunts shopping for family members is building.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for indecision 
Carl Anka, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
While failing to entice apathetic young voters and generating extraordinary indecision, Uruguay's lackluster electoral campaigns steered clear of the anti-establishment fury that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere in the world, like in the United States and neighboring Argentina.
—Nayara Batschke The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 25 Nov. 2024
Barron is a good skater with a decent shot and strong offensive instincts, but his game in his own end has suffered from moments of indecision and a lack of assertiveness in killing plays, leading to extended shifts in the defensive zone.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024
The Christmas lights are on, party season is in full swing and the debilitating indecision that haunts shopping for family members is building.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for indecision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indecision
Noun
-
This hesitation is likely due to concerns over potential legal liability if Trump reverses course and enforces the ban afterall.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Other high-profile candidates, it was noted, would have significant hesitation signing up to work with Poles as GM at all given his spotty track record in that role over three seasons.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Participant hesitancy creates a real disadvantage when trying to communicate openly, develop an understanding of a person or situation, or negotiate effectively.—
Jason Foodman,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
-
The timing of their pressing was off because of their hesitancy to press high.—
Charlotte Harpur,
The Athletic,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Edwards is not a natural lob thrower, and his hesitance to throw the ball to Gobert in traffic put a ceiling on the Timberwolves offense.—
Jon Krawczynski,
The Athletic,
22 Apr. 2024
-
This hesitance came courtesy of Putin, who attended the Bucharest conference and lobbied NATO to reject Kyiv’s bid.—
Andriy Zagorodnyuk,
Foreign Affairs,
1 June 2023
Noun
-
Democrats have raged over the order, with James announcing a plan to halt the pause, which is slated to be enacted by 5 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday.—
Jack Birle,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
28 Jan. 2025
-
The Department of State announced this pause on Sunday.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA TODAY,
28 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near indecision
Cite this Entry
“Indecision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indecision. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share