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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Every other Giants player wore the hat without compunction or issue. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 This regime has no such compunction. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 17 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for compunction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction

Noun

Gabi is much younger in his experience but without doubt can deliver.

— Morgan Korn, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026
Yet Saudi analysts have accelerated calls for a diversification of military supply chains and even nuclear energy endeavors amid doubts toward Washington's security commitments.

— Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 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

Prosecutors urged a lengthy sentence based on Skroko’s criminal history and lack of remorse.

— Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
At the hearing, prosecutors argued for life in prison, citing the brothers’ decadeslong assaults of dozens of women (over 70 have come forward) and lack of remorse.

— Kim Velsey, Curbed, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

De Niro is joined by Ariana DeBose, Helen Mirren, Emma Thompson, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson, Vince Gilligan, Rosario Dawson, Dan Levy, Anne Hathaway and more in his objection to his work being high-tech feasting fodder.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026
Following an objection from the defense, Krol did not divulge any more about the content of what Ringquist had sent.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of objection

Noun

Penalties and qualms with officiating aside, the Panthers came up big in two of the game’s three most consequential drives down the stretch.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026
One of his only qualms was the price tag, which this 45% discount makes much easier to swallow.

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of qualm

Noun

The forcefulness of their singing conveys desperation, but preempts so much of the nuance that enlivens their songs—the fundamental regret in their voice grinding against the fundamental determination.

— Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
As love, lust and regret take hold of the court, Heinrey (Lee Jong-suk), the charming crown prince of the Western Kingdom, turns his eye to Navier.

— Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of regret

Noun

Another study found that Americans felt less collective guilt about harm done to Iraqis when they were reminded of 9/11—and even when they were reminded of Pearl Harbor.

— Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
But her fumbling coming-of-age is fraught with guilt, mostly about Callie and her shattered mother.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of guilt

Browse Nearby Words

compulsory

compunction

compunctions

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of compunction

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

wabi-sabi

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes