1

scruple

noun scru·ple \ ˈskrü-pəl \

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: scruple in a Sentence

Definition of scruple

1 : a unit of capacity equal to ¹/₂₄ Apothecaries' ounce — see Weights and Measures Table

2 : a minute part or quantity : iota

Origin and Etymology of scruple

Middle English scrupil, scriple, from Anglo-French scruple, from Latin scrupulus a unit of weight, diminutive of scrupus sharp stone

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

2

scruple

noun

Definition of scruple

1 : an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action

2 : the quality or state of being scrupulous

3 : mental reservation

Origin and Etymology of scruple

Middle English scripil, scrupill, from Anglo-French scruble, from Latin scrupulus, diminutive of scrupus source of uneasiness, literally, sharp stone

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of scruple

qualm, scruple, compunction, demur 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

scruple implies doubt of the rightness of an act on grounds of principle.

- no scruples against buying stolen goods

compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

- had compunctions about lying

demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

- accepted her decision without demur

3

scruple

verb

Definition of scruple

scrupled; scrupling play \ˈskrü-p(ə-)liŋ\

intransitive verb

1 : to have scruples

2 : to show reluctance on grounds of conscience : hesitate

See scruple defined for English-language learners

Examples of scruple in a Sentence

a tabloid journalist who has never scrupled to reveal the most intimate details about the lives of celebrities

First Known Use of scruple

1627

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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scruple Synonyms

Synonyms

balance, dither, falter, halt, hang back, hesitate, shilly-shally, stagger, teeter, vacillate, waver, wobble (also wabble);

Antonyms

dive (in), plunge (in);

Near Antonyms

advance, continue;

Related Words

dally, dawdle, delay, linger, pause, procrastinate, wait;

back down, chicken (out);

consider, debate, deliberate, ponder, weigh;

oscillate, sway;

equivocate, hedge, pussyfoot, waffle;

SCRUPLE Defined for English Language Learners

scruple

verb

Definition of scruple for English Language Learners

: to be unwilling to do something because you think it is improper, morally wrong, etc.

SCRUPLE Defined for Kids

scruple

noun scru·ple \ ˈskrü-pəl \

Definition of scruple for Students

1 : a sense of right and wrong that keeps a person from doing something bad

2 : a feeling of guilt from doing something bad

Medical Dictionary

scruple

noun scru·ple \ ˈskrü-pəl \

medical Definition of scruple

: a unit of apothecaries' weight equal to 20 grains or ¹/₃ dram or 1.296 grams

Learn More about scruple

See words that rhyme with scruple Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scruple Spanish Central: Translation of scruple Nglish: Translation of scruple for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of scruple for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scruple

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WORD OF THE DAY

adulation

play

excessive admiration or flattery

BROWSE DICTIONARY

scrunchie

scrunty

scruple

scrupler

scrupulist

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