misgivings

noun

plural of misgiving
1
as in doubts
a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something I had misgivings about the alleged victim's story, but I was afraid to speak up

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2
as in qualms
an uneasy feeling about the rightness of what one is doing or going to do he was filled with misgivings about committing himself to such a huge loan

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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 misgivings These misgivings only grow given the stiffness of the sentences. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 25 June 2026 Her friends also had misgivings, as one of them recently revealed to Mayer. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 Shanda had misgivings about Pitman working nights—which is when debtors, and their cars, tend to be home—and in sketchy circumstances. — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 The history of reception is also a history of cherished hopes, beliefs, and misgivings. — Clare Bucknell, The New York Review of Books, 27 June 2026 In his statement, the Swedish journalist does not make mention of Possuelo’s misgivings about the upriver mission. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 June 2026 Several Republican senators expressed misgivings about the idea, pointing to the potential for security and legal risks. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 24 June 2026 That willingness to listen most recently manifested when city residents expressed strong misgivings about the city’s plan for major renovations of Leu Gardens. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2026 UMass had recruited Heronemus to do ocean engineering, but the energy crisis and his growing misgivings about nuclear power shifted his attention to renewable energy. — IEEE Spectrum, 15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misgivings
  1. doubts
  2. qualms
  3. suspicions
  4. objections
Noun
  • Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie looked like Serie A regulars, Folarin Balogun’s finishing was on song and Gio Reyna put to rest any doubts about his selection by channelling his inner Luka Modric.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • As tech stocks waver on doubts the AI boom will prove sustainable, India is emerging as a safe haven for global investors looking to hedge their bets and weather the volatility, Bloomberg wrote.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of doubts
Noun
  • But his qualms weren’t about the level of destruction in Gaza or the high civilian toll, both of which drew global outrage.
    — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Smith's qualms stemmed from the massive requirements for the presidential visit, which shut down surrounding streets near Madison Square Garden and forced police to clear out outdoor watch parties.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026
Definition of qualms
Noun
  • At least 60 Israelis have been indicted on charges of spying for Iran, but this appears to be the first time an American has been detained in Israel on similar suspicions.
    — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • The suspect was arrested in a joint operation by the Israel Police and Shin Bet Security Agency after suspicions were raised by international security officials, according to Ynetnews.
    — Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026
Definition of suspicions
Noun
  • News cameras will be allowed to record and broadcast much of the hearing, the judge ruled last week over the objections of Robinson’s attorneys.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • In the letter reviewed by the Miami Herald, Persad-Bissessar said her objections were neither personal nor political.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of objections

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Cite this Entry

“Misgivings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misgivings. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on misgivings

Nglish: Translation of misgivings for Spanish Speakers

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