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 could mean pharmaceutical companies are missing out on a major opportunity to connect with viewers, according to a new analysis by the TV outcomes firm EDO.—
Bruce Gil,
Quartz,
2 Feb. 2025
-
Fran: One of the bigger stories out of this year’s Sundance has been distributors’ hesitation — whether due to lingering effects of the fires or buyers’ skepticism or some combination — to buy up the stronger films at the festival.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
It’s been nearly a year since No Other Land debuted at the Berlin Film Festival, setting off a chain of hesitancy and urgency around films that address the ongoing conflict between Israeli and Palestine.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
23 Jan. 2025
-
The internal review blamed privacy restrictions and staff hesitancy for their failure to quickly notify the president and other senior leaders about Austin’s hospitalization.—
Tara Copp and Lolita C. Baldor,
Los Angeles Times,
15 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
-
What To Know Friday's execution will be the first in the state following a pause over the Christmas holiday.—
Barbara A. Perry,
Newsweek,
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 9 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share