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

Examples 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 Ashlee is gleefully devoid of morals, compunctions, or misgivings. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2024 In fact, by doing so, U.S. investors are furthering the goals of an authoritarian government that has shown no compunction manipulating foreign investors and leveraging market access to advance its national interests. Oren Cass, Foreign Affairs, 25 July 2023 Schwartz has no such ties and no such compunctions. Longreads, 15 Mar. 2024 And without that path for growth, Gen Z has no compunctions about moving on to a better opportunity. Lisa Conn, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compunction 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction
Noun
  • The company believes there is no longer substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern due to recent business improvements and actions taken by management.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
  • But just in case there were any doubts, the Lakers’ 131-114 loss, which dropped them to 4-4 overall and 1-4 on their road trip, was a reminder.
    Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Randy Orton essentially played his cold robot doppelgänger, a fellow handsome main-eventer who lacked Cena’s scruples.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 18 July 2024
  • Casey also seemed to have few scruples about doing what was needed to win.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Of course, Billy is devastated by the deaths this led to, showing true remorse.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Strapped to the execution table with IV lines in place, Dearman expressed his remorse to the families of his victims, who were also present.
    Abigail Brooks, NBC News, 18 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • That expansion came over the objection of the court's chief justice at the time.
    Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • That immediately elicited objections from the South Arkansas Minerals Association, which also objected to the December application, and dozens of other mineral rights owners.
    Ainsley Platt, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Her biggest qualm so far, beyond one small hiccup with a machine jamming, is the humidity.
    Madison Lammert, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024
  • The person performing the love bombing might have mental health qualms.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Since parting ways, Odom has frequently admitted his regret for his behavior toward Kardashian.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Several other actors who worked with Allen were speaking up at the time sharing their own regrets over working with him, including Greta Gerwig, Elliot Page, Griffin Newman, David Krumholtz and more.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 18 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In the end, the question of whether Cleo’s guilt could be circuitously traced back to any number of greater systems or prejudices or pressures makes no real difference.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
  • His guilt has been weighing on him, and according to Marlene, that guilty energy has kept Thunder from letting Owen get close.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 4 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near compunction

Cite this Entry

“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on compunction

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