COMPUNCTION Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

compunction

noun

kəm-ˈpəŋ(k)-shən

Definition of compunction

as in doubt

an uneasy feeling about the rightness of what one is doing or going to do throughout her school years she cheated without compunction

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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 The Islamic Republic slaughtered tens of thousands of Iranians earlier this year without compunction and remains in power despite military intervention by America and Israel. — Joobin Bekhrad, Time, 10 June 2026 Johnson clearly felt no such compunctions. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026 Often transnational agreements are necessary if pipelines pass through several territories and security — something in short supply when Iran has shown no compunction in attacking neighbors’ energy facilities. — Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 The overriding impression of Altman from Farrow and Marantz’s story is of a borderline sociopath; an executive with no compunction about lying to get ahead. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compunction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction

Noun

The moonshot idea of putting AI data centers into outer space just moved one step closer to reality, despite doubts about its feasibility.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
The last thing this young and impressionable Dolphins squad needs is to have doubts that the progress being made, the foundation being laid, is faulty, and fragile.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of doubt

Noun

Spreadsheets existed in 2006, but here they are kept, like everyone’s shame and scruples, firmly out of sight.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
Hilton rejects the argument floated by some of his former colleagues that his scruples became a casualty of his ambition.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of scruple

Noun

The judge also weighed mitigating factors, including that Molloy was experiencing difficult personal circumstances, stopped of his own volition and had shown genuine remorse.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Prosecutors sharply disputed that portrayal, arguing Flynn has never accepted responsibility or shown genuine remorse.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

However, he was removed from the 2022 ballot after an Illinois election board upheld an objection to his campaign.

— Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
The council said its objection is in response to Bocelli’s past support for Israel, including his participation in a 2010 fundraiser in Los Angeles for the Israel Defense Forces and a 2022 concert in Tel Aviv.

— Niniek Karmini, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of objection

Noun

Their core qualm is that this microbe alone can’t bring a dead planet to life.

— Brian Gallagher, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
The warm and charismatic straight-shooter, who has clocked 20 years in the biz, has no qualms with exposing the inner workings of what can be a highly secretive industry.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of qualm

Noun

There is nothing left in the tank, and there are no regrets in my heart.

— Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
What galls, perhaps, is less the accident itself than the absence of a person stepping out from behind the wheel, having a human experience of horror and regret.

— Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of regret

Noun

Nacer is quite good at variations of patriarchal obliviousness, and Pebdani suffuses her women with streaks of guilt.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
Men brought in from outside are coached to act out romances with her again and again, performing love, regret and guilt while their tears are gathered.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of guilt

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compunction

compunctions

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“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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