Synonym Chooser

How does the noun compunction differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of compunction are demur, qualm, and scruple. While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

had compunctions about lying

When is demur a more appropriate choice than compunction?

In some situations, the words demur and compunction are roughly equivalent. However, demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

accepted her decision without demur

When could qualm be used to replace compunction?

Although the words qualm and compunction have much in common, qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment.

no qualms about plagiarizing

In what contexts can scruple take the place of compunction?

While in some cases nearly identical to compunction, 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 compunction Neither do brave men or women stand by and see such things done without compunction of conscience, nor read of them without protest. Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025 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 People with elevated psychopathic traits lie—constantly, intentionally, with great skill, and without compunction. Gautam Mukunda, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for compunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction
Noun
  • From the outside, Laura could be loving, protective, overbearing, even intrusive — while Cherry sows doubt for hiding pieces of her past despite ostensibly adoring her new beau.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Basically, slap on a pair of gloves or leave the washing to someone else if ever there is a doubt.
    Audrey Bruno, SELF, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At this point in its history, the theory goes, the United States requires a willful and largely unaccountable power to impose changes that leaders with more delicate sensibilities and procedural scruples cannot ever accomplish.
    Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
  • This film for me is about morals and scruples and what people will do or won’t do for money.
    Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In a sentencing order, the judge said Martinez’s refusal to express remorse for his criminal conduct closed off the judge’s ability to deliver a sentence lower than the 34 months requested by prosecutors.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
  • And although Abe offered remorse for Japan’s war crimes at a summit in Indonesia in 2015, the following day three of his cabinet ministers visited the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, a memorial to Japan’s war dead and widely seen as a symbol of its militarism.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Participants met with the Hawks’ sales leadership for two hours every Friday, with lessons covering scheduling appointments, working through objections, and using and developing sales scripts.
    Ryan Stowers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Nearly every question and observation drew objections from prosecutors.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Daniel has a special way of gathering folks who hold no qualms with showcasing their talent; so to see the historic dance company in this part of the city was such a distinct moment.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
  • My only qualm is that there was no dance-off between members of the Bananas and their bitter rivals, the Party Animals.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Israel-Premier Tech expressed its regret following the event, which resulted in the cancellation of the race’s finale and traditional podium ceremony.
    Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • One taught me about living and dying; the other taught me about envy and regret.
    Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That feeling of guilt, in other words, can be better described as fear of missing out.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Whether tackling working-parent guilt or the challenges of caring for a newborn, some of the most popular video games are telling stories that tap into contemporary anxieties about parenting.
    G Kirilloff, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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