qualm

Synonym Chooser

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 But here’s the thing: Tennessee, whose inclusion no one had a qualm with, got snuffed out by Ohio State. Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025 Wendy Williams had no qualms about her new normal following her split from Kevin Hunter. Nicholas Rice, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025 For my in-depth review of this qualm, see the link here. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 Mohammed Kudus, however, struggled against Fulham’s defence and Potter had no qualms about withdrawing him after 63 minutes. Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for qualm 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for qualm
Noun
  • Total theaters booked are 4,100 including all premium large format screens and Imax, no doubt.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy and all remaining doubts about him lifted as well.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025
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
Noun
  • Harrison Ford has no regrets about donning Indiana Jones' famous fedora one last time.
    EW.com, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • But, at the same time, 82 percent of millennials who do own a home regret at least one aspect of their first home purchase, the survey found.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • On the other hand, Emirati officials have shown little compunction about doing business with Israeli settlers or investing in occupation infrastructure such as Israeli checkpoints.
    Khaled Elgindy, Foreign Affairs, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Colvin never felt any ethical compunctions about selling solar panels.
    Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near qualm

Cite this Entry

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

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