DEMUR Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

demur 1 of 2

noun

Definition of demur next

as in objection

a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent we accepted his offer to pay for our dinners without demur

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

demur

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈmər

as in to object

to present an opposing opinion or argument don't hesitate to demur to the idea if you have any qualms

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 demur

Verb

Trump has often demurred, calling his opponents the threat. —

Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024 Clooney has demurred on the role his op-ed might’ve played in Biden’s decision. —

Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Sep. 2024 Even Netflix, after years of demurring, acknowledged that with a landmark ten year, $5 billion deal for WWE Raw early this year, its first big sports push. —

Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2024 Trending on Billboard The friends mostly joked around, with Fallon demurring when Timberlake repeatedly suggested that the host would come out and do a mandatory warm-up set before Justin’s upcoming Barclays Center show in New York on Oct. 7. —

Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for demur

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demur

Noun

The film has been criticized for trafficking in clichés and gender stereotypes, for equating transitioning with death, for presenting it as a kind of moral redemption, for making older cisgender audiences feel virtuous by endorsing it, among other objections.

Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025
And appeals courts have upheld the gag order over Trump’s First Amendment objections.

Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025