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
  • Given today’s network of satellites and temperature sensors, when could scientists have first known, beyond a reasonable doubt, that increases in atmospheric CO2 from fossil fuel burning and land use change were altering our global climate?
    Ben Santer, Scientific American, 4 July 2025
  • Serena Peng, a Seattle resident visiting Tokyo, described having initial doubts after seeing online speculation but ultimately continuing with her trip.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 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
  • Buyer's remorse does not create a felony conviction and a life sentence.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • But while visitors may find plenty of reasons to feel remorse when their Vegas sojourn ends, absolution might be found in the city’s renewable energy boom.
    Max Bearak, New York Times, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Generate three compelling arguments for this settlement amount, then anticipate the opposing counsel's three strongest objections.
    Kwame Christian Esq, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • If leaders moved ahead without altering the provisions, the measures could be challenged, requiring a 60-vote threshold to overcome objections.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Other technicians have similar qualms about market leadership.
    Alex Harring,Sean Conlon, CNBC, 25 June 2025
  • But there’s been no wavering, no qualms, no issues from the players who ultimately don’t draw in.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • But general manager Don Waddell expressed no regrets or disappointment after one trade fell through and several others fizzled out before gaining any traction.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Moyers expressed regret for the spot — an attack on Johnson’s Republican opponent Barry Goldwater’s views on the use of nuclear weapons.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • There was overwhelming evidence of his guilt, including his DNA on the knife sheath, cell site evidence the night of the murders, video surveillance of his white Hyundai Elantra, and Amazon search and purchase history of the murder weapon.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Still unaware of the Front Man’s true identity, Gi-hun grapples with survivor’s guilt and begs to be killed.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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