1
as in shred
a very small amount
went about her business without even a scruple of suspicion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in speck
a very small piece
left just a scruple of asparagus on the plate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in doubt
an uneasy feeling about the rightness of what one is doing or going to do
the survey showed that many students had few scruples about cheating on papers or exams
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to hesitate
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
a tabloid journalist who has never scrupled to reveal the most intimate details about the lives of celebrities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scruple
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 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
Mainstream Republicans and right-leaning unaffiliated voters will gravitate to candidates with experience and scruples.
—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
31 Dec. 2025
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
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
Mainstream Republicans and right-leaning unaffiliated voters will gravitate to candidates with experience and scruples.
—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scruple
Noun
-
Trump’s appreciation for and emulation of the histrionics of that sport have been much discussed over the years—recall how the late Hulk Hogan ripped his shirt to shreds at the 2024 Republican National Convention to reveal a TRUMP VANCE T-shirt underneath.
-
The industry has been keeping a close eye on what Koosha and his producer Tom Rogers have been doing — namely, conjuring a movie out of thin air without a single shred of an actor, location, crew member or camera.
Noun
-
Flash frames, scratches and specks of dust pop up randomly on the screen.
-
Last night, England played its first game of the tournament—a rematch against Croatia, in Dallas—and the defensive prowess was a speck on the horizon; both sides scored twice in a breathless first half.
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.
Verb
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When asked which member of the family is the best soccer player, Theo didn't hesitate.
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When an agreement offers nothing to the Iranian people, why would the regime hesitate to intensify its crackdown?
Noun
-
Just One is a cooperative word game where duplicate hints get eliminated.
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These flavors follow through on the palate with additional elements of savory sandstone, pomegranate, and a hint of salinity.
Noun
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Then, a few decades ago, the world cleaned up its act and stopped letting so many of those particles into the atmosphere.
-
When wildfire smoke is inhaled, volatile gases and tiny particles can pass through the lining of the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Noun
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Every other Giants player wore the hat without compunction or issue.
-
This regime has no such compunction.
Verb
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When Johnson faltered, Clark had plenty of breathing room — and a quick turnaround.
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Still up seven games in the NL East, the Braves (46-27) are in an offensive funk over the past week, and the team’s good starting pitching has faltered some.
Cite this Entry
“Scruple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scruple. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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