as in doubt
an uneasy feeling about the rightness of what one is doing or going to do
throughout her school years she cheated without compunction
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 compunction
Often transnational agreements are necessary if pipelines pass through several territories and security — something in short supply when Iran has shown no compunction in attacking neighbors’ energy facilities.
—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
The overriding impression of Altman from Farrow and Marantz’s story is of a borderline sociopath; an executive with no compunction about lying to get ahead.
—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
7 Apr. 2026
And second, airing poor behavior within a community can normalize it so that others feel less compunction about their own sins.
—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Mar. 2026
And that includes absolutely no compunction about sharing the time Sharon decided to destroy husband Ozzy's drugs in an attempt to keep him sober.
—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compunction
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
The overriding impression of Altman from Farrow and Marantz’s story is of a borderline sociopath; an executive with no compunction about lying to get ahead.
—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
7 Apr. 2026
And second, airing poor behavior within a community can normalize it so that others feel less compunction about their own sins.
—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Mar. 2026
And that includes absolutely no compunction about sharing the time Sharon decided to destroy husband Ozzy's drugs in an attempt to keep him sober.
—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for compunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction
Noun
-
The prosecutor’s office, taking a fresh look at the murder, learned the lead investigator shared those doubts.
-
Caicedo has made a name for himself as a regular starter for Chelsea in recent years — and his appearance in the Champions League leaves no doubt about his experience in high stakes matches.
Noun
-
Still, there are some smart, well-meaning voices of caution who warn Democrats against forgetting their scruples.
-
The people of every commune knew and feared those like him — stern figures in black whose ideological devotion appeared to outweigh any moral scruples.
Noun
-
Fort Worth residents can now weigh in on the next steps in a transportation project that has caused headaches and buyer’s remorse in a changing neighborhood.
-
The communication reportedly did not seek payment and included language expressing remorse, a detail experts say is unusual in genuine ransom demands.
Noun
-
For individuals 18 and older, courts generally must approve a qualifying name change within six weeks without holding a hearing or allowing formal objections.
-
Much of the objection to using the term comes from Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefires.
Noun
-
But his qualms weren’t about the level of destruction in Gaza or the high civilian toll, both of which drew global outrage.
-
Smith's qualms stemmed from the massive requirements for the presidential visit, which shut down surrounding streets near Madison Square Garden and forced police to clear out outdoor watch parties.
Noun
-
Sherriff, who debuted with the Cardinals in 2017, expressed regret at never pitching at Dodger Stadium, citing the cumulative toll of 13 years of uncertainty.
-
Using 10,000 rocks, more than seventy-five 80-pound bags of concrete, and over $1,000 in supplies, Ruggie has no regrets about his 14-foot deck burned in a shou sugi ban style.
Noun
-
There are other options, but regardless of what’s on the table for the future, burnout deserves to be taken seriously rather than explained away out of pride, guilt, or habit.
-
Crafted with better-for-you ingredients, Javvy's Instant Protein Coffee blend and viral Coffee Concentrate deliver guilt-free indulgence, offering craveable flavors without compromise.
Cite this Entry
“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
