Synonym Chooser

How does the noun compunction differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of compunction are demur, qualm, and scruple. While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

had compunctions about lying

When is demur a more appropriate choice than compunction?

In some situations, the words demur and compunction are roughly equivalent. However, demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

accepted her decision without demur

When could qualm be used to replace compunction?

Although the words qualm and compunction have much in common, qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment.

no qualms about plagiarizing

In what contexts can scruple take the place of compunction?

While in some cases nearly identical to compunction, scruple implies doubt of the rightness of an act on grounds of principle.

no scruples against buying stolen goods

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 compunction Colvin never felt any ethical compunctions about selling solar panels. Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025 Indulging the illusion that humans can control these systems while war is ongoing will tie democratic nations’ hands against adversaries with no such compunctions. Sebastian Elbaum, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2024 People with elevated psychopathic traits lie—constantly, intentionally, with great skill, and without compunction. Gautam Mukunda, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 And if the writers are true to Tolkien, our heroes will have no compunctions about killing many, many, many orcs. Caitlin Penzeymoog, Vox, 7 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for compunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction
Noun
  • There is no doubt about Arsenal’s effectiveness on attacking corners, but even after the returns of Havertz and Gabriel, there will be areas to improve on the defensive side.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • There is no doubt that not having to play the next day has its benefits.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • And third, anyone without scruples can sell prescription opioids on the black market.
    Keith Humphreys, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2018
  • Seen against the backdrop of recent events, Vought’s disdain for the rule-of-law scruples of Federalist Society legal thinkers seems entirely in line with Trump’s recent post suggesting a federal judge shouldn’t have authority over his administration.
    Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Other defendants also used their final words to express remorse.
    Thomas Adamson, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • The 47-year-old rapper and fashion mogul posted a series of messages on social media, asking for absolution while expressing a newfound stance of inclusivity and remorse.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • And an attorney representing local developers cited the law in objection to the county’s move to prevent thousands of new homes from being built beyond the county’s development boundary.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
  • The defense objected to the response, and the judge sustained the objection, meaning the jury cannot consider his response as evidence.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Related article How to spice up your pantry the Mediterranean way My only qualm is that knowing there was starch added in the sauce, my perception of the dish’s mouthfeel was definitely skewed, but that wasn’t the case for my husband.
    Francesca Giuliani Hoffman, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
  • Take-Two has no qualms with messing with the entire industry as everyone sits around and waits for a GTA 6 release date.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • To be conscious of one’s regrets is proof of having lived an examined life.
    Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2025
  • Why a fallen Thunderbird’s mom has no regrets The dangers of flying such complex formations are top of mind for crew members.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt: A 23-year-old woman from Peoria was arrested on charges of burglary and retail theft at 4:42 p.m. May 21 at North Washington Street and East Ogden Avenue.
    Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
  • For Omer Shem Tov, among the last of the hostages to be released before the ceasefire collapsed in March, there is an ever-present feeling of guilt.
    Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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