SCRUPLE Synonyms: 245 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

scruple 1 of 3

noun (1)

Definition of scruple next

as in shred

a very small amount went about her business without even a scruple of suspicion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in speck

a very small piece left just a scruple of asparagus on the plate

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scruple

2 of 3

noun (2)

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scruple

3 of 3

verb

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

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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