misgiving

[ mis-giv-ing ]

noun

1. Often misgivings. a feeling of doubt, distrust, or apprehension.

   Synonyms: hesitation, mistrust, suspicion

misgiving

/ mɪsˈɡɪvɪŋ /

noun

1. often plural a feeling of uncertainty, apprehension, or doubt

Other Words From

• mis·giving·ly adverb
• un·mis·giving adjective
• un·mis·giving·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of misgiving¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; misgive + -ing ¹

Synonym Study

See apprehension.

Example Sentences

But there were also immediate signs that Republicans may be willing to put aside their misgivings and give their president-elect a win.

From Salon

James Fallows makes that case in a pre-election essay in Wired, where he argues that California’s role as a force for good and innovation will continue despite the election results or even our own misgivings.

From Los Angeles Times

But the Harris campaign agreed to appear on Fox News in an effort to reach undecided voters who have misgivings about Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

But I do have misgivings about her approach, particularly her claims that Harris is essentially a centrist whom conservatives should feel comfortable supporting.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the West’s misgivings, Ukraine is planning to step up its attacks on Russia.

From BBC

Related Words

• anxiety
• apprehension
• distrust
• doubt
• foreboding
• hesitation
• mistrust
• qualm
• reservation
• suspicion
• unease