scruple 1 of 3

Definition of scruplenext
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scruple

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noun (2)

scruple

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scruple differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scruple are compunction, demur, and qualm. While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," scruple implies doubt of the rightness of an act on grounds of principle.

no scruples against buying stolen goods

In what contexts can compunction take the place of scruple?

The meanings of compunction and scruple largely overlap; however, compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

had compunctions about lying

Where would demur be a reasonable alternative to scruple?

Although the words demur and scruple have much in common, demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

accepted her decision without demur

When could qualm be used to replace scruple?

The synonyms qualm and scruple are sometimes interchangeable, but qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment.

no qualms about plagiarizing

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 scruple
Noun
Still, there are some smart, well-meaning voices of caution who warn Democrats against forgetting their scruples. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 The people of every commune knew and feared those like him — stern figures in black whose ideological devotion appeared to outweigh any moral scruples. Matthew Campbell, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026 Colonial authorities regularly questioned their character, scruples, and business practices; Grietje and Anthony returned the favor. Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 And like any good femme fatale, Maddy is given savvy at the expense of moral scruple. The Editors, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026 But we’re invited to see him as, despite these foibles, amusing and retaining, and his cynicism about everything and his lack of moral scruple is—actually, we’re invited to see this as a kind of higher wisdom. David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026 But the squirrelly, middle-aged guy at the weird surplus store in northern Florida had no such scruples. Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2026 Sometimes, a billionaire has very questionable scruples as to the best ways to go about things. Jevon Phillips, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026 These firms now pay their rainmakers like Wall Street stars and have dropped their courtly scruples for relentless commercialism. Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scruple
Noun
  • Their main flaw is that the protagonists rarely display a shred of agency or activity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
  • The rest of the band followed his lead, particularly Green, a relentless head-banger, dropping to her knees to become one with the feedback and leaning back into beatific shred-faces.
    Steve Knopper, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • New York State created a Law, for an instant speck of time, going back many decades, in order to wrongfully ‘nab’ me.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 June 2026
  • One released a chaff cascade—hell’s own monsoon manifesting as specks of light, sound, and EM pulses falling through the hanging garden.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie looked like Serie A regulars, Folarin Balogun’s finishing was on song and Gio Reyna put to rest any doubts about his selection by channelling his inner Luka Modric.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • As tech stocks waver on doubts the AI boom will prove sustainable, India is emerging as a safe haven for global investors looking to hedge their bets and weather the volatility, Bloomberg wrote.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • When King asked if the unnamed celebrity was the one, Brown didn't hesitate.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
  • The girls don’t hesitate to lay into him either with Trinity, Melanie, and Aniya all coming to Kenzie’s impassioned defense.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Four years later, there’s not a hint of complacency or dejection in France.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • An abundance of hints, clues and other helpful items await, not to mention a bonus Custom Wordle and plenty more.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Axiom Materials will test how advanced materials perform against rain, hail, and airborne particles.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026
  • Those particles may have been grinding in the joint, causing mechanical wear on the cobalt-chromium femoral head that released cobalt into the surrounding tissue and bloodstream.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Every other Giants player wore the hat without compunction or issue.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • This regime has no such compunction.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • And once performance falters, customers are likely to lose faith in your brand.
    Brian Coyne, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Russell Henley also made a 4-under push on Sunday to finish 10-under, while Cam Young faltered in the final pairing with a 1-over round to finish 10-under as well.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scruple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scruple. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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