Synonym Chooser

How does the noun compunction differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of compunction are demur, qualm, and scruple. While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

had compunctions about lying

When is demur a more appropriate choice than compunction?

In some situations, the words demur and compunction are roughly equivalent. However, demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

accepted her decision without demur

When could qualm be used to replace compunction?

Although the words qualm and compunction have much in common, qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment.

no qualms about plagiarizing

In what contexts can scruple take the place of compunction?

While in some cases nearly identical to compunction, 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 compunction Colvin never felt any ethical compunctions about selling solar panels. Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025 Indulging the illusion that humans can control these systems while war is ongoing will tie democratic nations’ hands against adversaries with no such compunctions. Sebastian Elbaum, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2024 People with elevated psychopathic traits lie—constantly, intentionally, with great skill, and without compunction. Gautam Mukunda, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 And if the writers are true to Tolkien, our heroes will have no compunctions about killing many, many, many orcs. Caitlin Penzeymoog, Vox, 7 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for compunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction
Noun
  • Kuemper shows his regular-season form There isn’t any doubt that Winnipeg’s star goalie Connor Hellebuyck will take home his second consecutive Vezina Trophy and third of his career.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • There's no doubt now that when history is being made on the course, golf fans take notice and tune in, making these events must-watch television.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And third, anyone without scruples can sell prescription opioids on the black market.
    Keith Humphreys, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2018
  • Seen against the backdrop of recent events, Vought’s disdain for the rule-of-law scruples of Federalist Society legal thinkers seems entirely in line with Trump’s recent post suggesting a federal judge shouldn’t have authority over his administration.
    Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Lemieux showed zero remorse for Draper’s injuries and didn’t apologize.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • To know if estrangement makes sense for you, Bryant suggests asking yourself a few questions: Does the person express any remorse?
    Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the reality is that Mr. Dixon had asked his supervisor about the hire and was told that there were no objections.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • One woman shouted her objections from her seat in the balcony.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While Matt refuses to kill anyone, Frank Castle has no qualms about unleashing his bloody rage upon Kingpin’s goons.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
  • But mainstream Jewish groups have expressed qualms about the crackdown, even while approving of the Trump administration’s focus on antisemitism.
    Anemona Hartocollis, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Also, many of the main heroes revisit moments of past trauma and regret, including scenes with Bob and his abusive dad, and the intimated murder of a young girl as Yelena looks on.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • The report said authors found low certainty of evidence on the effects of gender-affirming surgeries on adolescents including suicidality, depression, asexual function, quality of life and regret.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Dina got to be with him, Dina got to spend that last day with him, and there's a lot of guilt and regret on Ellie's part.
    EW.com, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Families who lose a loved one are prone to mental health deficits such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety, compounded by feelings of guilt, self-blame, shame, and condemnation, often resulting in social isolation.
    William Mullane, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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