IRRESOLUTION Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

irresolution

noun

Definition of irresolution

as in hesitation

a state or an instance of temporary inaction because of uncertainty about the right course of action after a moment of anguished irresolution, I raised my rifle and fired at the charging animal

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Recent Examples of irresolution The result is that her whole novel is colored by a sense of irresolution. — Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026 Marcon never allows Ludwig or Fritz the release of closure; the films don’t so much restart as stay in a state of irresolution, endlessly pressing pause. — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026 Such an image of irresolution encourages anti-American governments and terrorist groups. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Reilly, who composed the song wholesale, seems content to swap his Satie-esque irresolution for something straightforwardly plaintive, like a lullaby. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 In those heady decades of postmodern language-play and seductive irresolution, claims for literature as a force for truth and justice would likely be dismissed, with a smirk, as humanist pieties. — Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irresolution

Noun

At first, it’s seen in Soulan’s hesitation at accepting children from other villages to his class — then in his rage at his mother for feeding guests at the potential expense of the children’s meals.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
The new work is a radical take on aging and femininity, an uncut hit of Cindy Sherman—despite, or maybe even because of, her initial hesitation.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of hesitation

Noun

Consider the party’s hesitancy in addressing the financial ramifications of China’s demographic decline.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
The service Mostly at ease with itself, and therefore the guests, and any hesitancy will be ironed out within a few weeks of opening.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of hesitancy

Noun

However, Pritzker’s hesitance to deploy a comprehensive solution to data centers could be his Achilles’ heel in the primaries.

— Patrick McNamara, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Dexter grapples with killing her, but Rudy eventually can’t handle Dexter’s hesitance and takes the knife into his own hands—and nearly plunges it into Debra’s chest before Dexter stops him.

— EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026

Definition of hesitance

Noun

Prior to the pause, Verizon had told the FCC that the old-school copper networks will remain in place for areas where its replacement solution falls short of Commission standards.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
But, in a moment where the AI industry is filled with existential anxiety, and even its leaders are calling for brakes, Haugen isn’t advocating for a pause in AI development.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026