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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
The question is already swirling Dec. 10, 2024 Becerra last week demurred when asked about his plans days after leaving his federal post. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025 Asked about the streaming event about those controversies, Bloys demurred. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025 Alex de Minaur, who is from Sydney, demurred in the face of the same question. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for demur 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demur
Noun
  • In January 2021, after took office, some Republican senators attempted to delay his Cabinet confirmations by slow-walking the process through procedural delays and objections rather than filibuster speeches.
    Ewan Palmer, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Now judges will be able to decide while also being able to consider objections from both the defense and the prosecutors.
    Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Sister Mary Guadalupe objected to my reform-school comparison.
    Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
  • What To Know Collins objected to the cap in a statement first reported by Punchbowl News' Max Cohen.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The big exception is anything designated as an artificial cheese product (lookin’ at you, American cheese), as well as low-fat or otherwise altered versions (which tend to include cosmetic additives to help with texture and melting).
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
  • But the law includes an exception for ambulances owned by cities, counties and special districts, which can bill patients for whatever their insurance didn’t pay, a practice known as balance-billing.
    The Denver Post, The Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Thousands protested across the U.S. on Presidents’ Day.
    David Leonhardt, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • While foreign ships are allowed to pass through EEZs under freedom of navigation rules, the Philippines has protested China's maritime forces for unlawfully asserting jurisdiction as well as Beijing's construction of artificial islands within its EEZ.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Several workers at the facility filed complaints with the NLRB last week alleging Amazon had retaliated against them for their union activity, including firing them or withholding benefits.
    Greg Bensinger, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • One of the messages sent to the boys from an individual later identified by authorities as Brett Bonini asked the two to pull down their pants and rub each others’ genitals over video chat in exchange for 25,000 in Roblox currency, according to the complaint.
    Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Palestinians complain of ill-treatment In exchange for the hostages' release, Israel is freeing 183 Palestinian prisoners, some convicted of involvement in attacks that killed dozens of people, as well as 111 detained in Gaza during the war.
    Hussam al-Masri, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Many conspiracy theorists have complained about Black history being relegated to the calendar’s shortest month.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near demur

Cite this Entry

“Demur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demur. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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