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demur

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun demur differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of demur are compunction, qualm, and scruple. While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

accepted her decision without demur

When would compunction be a good substitute for demur?

The words compunction and demur are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

had compunctions about lying

In what contexts can qualm take the place of demur?

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

no qualms about plagiarizing

When is it sensible to use scruple instead of demur?

The meanings of scruple and demur largely overlap; however, 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 demur
Verb
However, team president Pat Riley demurred, citing the number of games that Butler has routinely missed during his time in Miami. Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Richardson demurred when asked if Mrázek was feeling the workload, noting (correctly) that the Blackhawks did him no favors on Sunday. Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024 My grandfather pushed to leave sooner but — like many German Jews — Margot demurred. Steven A. Harvey, Baltimore Sun, 4 Nov. 2024 After winning gold in the vault final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles demurred about her L.A. plans. Danielle Jennings, People.com, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for demur 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demur
Noun
  • Despite Magnus’ vehement objections, Agnes accepts an invitation from true crime podcaster Nora Carver to travel to Bifröst to discuss the murders on the anniversary.
    Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025
  • This pressure reportedly allowed Witkoff to lean on the notoriously tough and canny Benjamin Netanyahu during talks and compel the Israeli prime minister to agree to a deal despite objections.
    Keir Simmons, NBC News, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Lively initially expressed interest in viewing the video later and did not object to the situation at the time.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • At various points during the hearing, several climate protesters interrupted, objecting to Wright’s position as a fossil fuel CEO and invoking the raging wildfires.
    Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The airport has restrictions on the distance that flights may travel, with some exceptions for select flights beyond the perimeter.
    Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Jan. 2025
  • That said, fourth-grade math scores still remained below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with one exception: Alabama was the only state where fourth-graders' average math scores surpassed 2019 scores.
    Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Mild-mannered Ahmet doesn’t protest, but a visible heaviness weighs on him.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The communities protesting range in size from dozens of members to millions, totaling at least 40 million members.
    Kat Tenbarge, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Two spa businesses in Baltimore told the Banner that Tucker had been banned immediately after complaints were lodged against him.
    Doha Madani, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Last week, the nonprofit watchdog group the Housing Rights Initiative filed 176 complaints against Chicago landlords for discrimination in the largest housing case in Illinois history.
    Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump has complained about China’s rising influence over the canal.
    Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Some consumers have also complained that bulk billing arrangements can burden them with a single, subpar internet service that costs more.
    Michael Kan, PCMAG, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near demur

Cite this Entry

“Demur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demur. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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