misgivings

Uneasy second thoughts

Misgivings are feelings of doubt, unease, or apprehension about something—typically a decision, plan, or course of action.

The word almost always appears in the plural: I had misgivings about the merger from the start.

Unlike outright opposition, misgivings suggest lingering uncertainty rather than firm conviction: Despite her misgivings, she signed the contract.

doubt

uncertainty

State of being unsure

apprehension

Mild persistent worry

Categories

doubtdoubt, doubts, doubting, doubtful, skepticism
reluctancereluctance, unwillingness, disinclination, hesitation, reticence
second thoughtssecond thoughts, reconsideration, rethinking, change of mind, change of heart
worriesworry, concern, fear, anxiety, apprehension
moral emotionsguilt, shame, remorse, moral guilt, conscience
moralitymoral, moral values, immoral, moral principles, moral code

Opposites

certainty and confidence

Self-assurance or trust

emotional disposition

Unshakable mental steadiness

approval and endorsement

misgivingsapproval

Favorable opinion given

Family

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G