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
  • There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors too.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • In quiet moments of doubt and in public acts of leadership.
    Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 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
  • Milton's attorney cited alcohol addiction as a factor, but the judge found a lack of remorse and sentenced him to prison.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Before the sentencing, prosecutors and loved ones of both Chambers Cruz and Katz debated the defendant’s level of remorse.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • At this stage, the United States has spent plenty for Ukraine’s sovereignty — often over the objections of Trump himself, but the expenditures have been made.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
  • During the bidding process, an earlier Skydance offer was revised by the parties after considerable objections were raised by Gabelli and other investors.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Her last qualms were with schools that get grants to buy supplies, including computers, for example.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 6 Aug. 2025
  • But the 26-year-old pop singer-songwriter has no qualms about that.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In the decades since, Reid maintained had no regrets about saying no to the opportunity.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Many viewers, like Locke, expressed regret over their own tattoos.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But as elusive perp CW was never found, the internet continues to hound her, with conspiracy theorists’ assumption of guilt only getting refreshed when a couple podcasters lure Madison into an interview that dredges up all the old Amanda Knox-like accusations.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Harrison claims to feel considerable guilt at not intervening when she was clearly drugged and being targeted by a predator.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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