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 However, President-elect Nawrocki (who takes office on August 6) has had no qualms about seeking and accepting support from President Trump, often accused of being soft on Putin and weak in his support for Ukraine. Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 Despite those qualms, House GOP leaders are plowing ahead with the effort. Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 10 June 2025 Other technicians have similar qualms about market leadership. Alex Harring,sean Conlon, CNBC, 25 June 2025 But there’s been no wavering, no qualms, no issues from the players who ultimately don’t draw in. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for qualm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for qualm
Noun
  • Eleven are ready to convict—until one juror (Henry Fonda, also the film’s producer) raises quiet, persistent doubts.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 July 2025
  • There is always going to be debate about who is the sport’s GOAT, but Hagen is always in the discussion, and with a doubt, one of the very, very best and highest profile golfers to ever live.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • Over the objections of some Federal Trade Commission employees who sent a joint letter to Congress, that agency held a daylong session about how medical care for transgender people was a dangerous fraud.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
  • Particularly because one of her objections to Peggy is also her darker complexion.
    Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Something Beautiful is an album of soaring regret and fantasy, a pivot into the themes of late youth.
    Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
  • Filled with grief, shame and regret after being confronted, Shalla-Bal flies off into space, leaving Earth.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Even before he was elected president in 1998, Chávez had no compunction about breaking political norms and polarizing the country.
    DARON ACEMOGLU, Foreign Affairs, 15 June 2020
  • Notably, a factor behind the coup attempt was compunction about the granting of limited self-governance to Catalonia and the Basque country, which some members of the military feared was a prelude to the breakup of Spain.
    Omar G. Encarnación, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Qualm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/qualm. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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