QUALM Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'qualm' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of qualm are compunction , demur , and scruple . While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment. // no qualms about plagiarizing

Q: When would 'compunction' be a good substitute for 'qualm'?

While the synonyms compunction and qualm are close in meaning, compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim. // had compunctions about lying

Q: When might 'demur' be a better fit than 'qualm'?

The meanings of demur and qualm largely overlap; however, demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence. // accepted her decision without demur

Q: When is 'scruple' a more appropriate choice than 'qualm'?

The words scruple and qualm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, scruple implies doubt of the rightness of an act on grounds of principle. // no scruples against buying stolen goods

qualm

noun

ˈkwäm

Definition of qualm

as in doubt

an uneasy feeling about the rightness of what one is doing or going to do she has no qualms about downloading pirated music files from the Internet

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How does the noun qualm differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of qualm are compunction, demur, and scruple. While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment.

no qualms about plagiarizing

When would compunction be a good substitute for qualm?

While the synonyms compunction and qualm are close in meaning, compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

had compunctions about lying

When might demur be a better fit than qualm?

The meanings of demur and qualm largely overlap; however, demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

accepted her decision without demur

When is scruple a more appropriate choice than qualm?

The words scruple and qualm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 qualm Many Republicans have now expressed their qualms about cutting the program too deeply amid significant backlash, and a key committee chairman said this week that one leading policy idea — per capita caps — is moving toward the back burner. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025 While the logic of his qualm with Santos is sound, the emotion of it has a lot to do with something else. —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 6 Mar. 2025 Boasting a creamy, almost serum-like texture, this offers a surprising medium coverage against dark spots, dark circles, and various other complexion qualms. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025 While there are no significant qualms about sticking with the current combination, Brian Robinson Jr.’s production faded as the season progressed, and the final year of Austin Ekeler’s contract isn’t fully guaranteed. —Ben Standig, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for qualm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for qualm

Noun

On Sunday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with the families of two girls who had died from measles in West Texas—and raised doubts about the safety of vaccines.

— Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
However, even the new record-holder had some doubts.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025