Synonyms of compunction

compunction

noun

kəm-ˈpəŋ(k)-shən 

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

• doubt
• scruple
• remorse
• objection
• qualm
• regret
• guilt
• misgiving
• conscience
• suspicion
• question
• uncertainty
• distrust
• skepticism
• unease
• mistrust
• reluctance
• uneasiness
• reservation
• protest
• contrition
• unwillingness
• remonstrance
• penitence
• indisposition
• misdoubt
• repentance
• incertitude
• dubiety
• shame
• disinclination
• self-reproach
• demur
• uncertainness
• aversion
• fuss
• qualmishness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conviction
• certainty
• confidence
• assurance
• certitude
• sureness
• aplomb
• self-confidence
• self-assurance

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

Recent Examples of compunction

Neither do brave men or women stand by and see such things done without compunction of conscience, nor read of them without protest. —Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025

On the other hand, Emirati officials have shown little compunction about doing business with Israeli settlers or investing in occupation infrastructure such as Israeli checkpoints. —Khaled Elgindy, Foreign Affairs, 22 Jan. 2025

Colvin never felt any ethical compunctions about selling solar panels. —Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025

People with elevated psychopathic traits lie—constantly, intentionally, with great skill, and without compunction. —Gautam Mukunda, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

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