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 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 And second, airing poor behavior within a community can normalize it so that others feel less compunction about their own sins. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2026 And that includes absolutely no compunction about sharing the time Sharon decided to destroy husband Ozzy's drugs in an attempt to keep him sober. — People Staff, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compunction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction

Noun

Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie looked like Serie A regulars, Folarin Balogun’s finishing was on song and Gio Reyna put to rest any doubts about his selection by channelling his inner Luka Modric.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
As tech stocks waver on doubts the AI boom will prove sustainable, India is emerging as a safe haven for global investors looking to hedge their bets and weather the volatility, Bloomberg wrote.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of doubt

Noun

Still, there are some smart, well-meaning voices of caution who warn Democrats against forgetting their scruples.

— Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
The people of every commune knew and feared those like him — stern figures in black whose ideological devotion appeared to outweigh any moral scruples.

— Matthew Campbell, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026

Definition of scruple

Noun

Yet an outstanding cast, scripts that are perceptive about grief and remorse, and Hennie’s impressionistic directing more than make up for it.

— Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
Metz’s attorneys could not be reached for comment on the sentencing, but during the hearing, Jones emphasized that Metz has taken responsibility for his negligence and has felt remorse every day since the shooting.

— Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 July 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

At the time, the Department of Justice argued that the president could sidestep the Insurrection Act to send armed troops into American streets over the objection of local leaders.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
When a videographer understands the audience’s doubts, objections or knowledge gaps, the script, visuals and tone become more intentional.

— Tavares Beverly, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of objection

Noun

The weird, vaguely threatening statement doesn’t lay the groundwork for a productive night, so naturally the vibes are just all off as the boys hang, so much so that Christian regrets planning it altogether.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026
But the filmmaker proves more interested in interrogating that ethos than recreating it, and few horror mythologies are better suited to exploring betrayal and regret than one built around the refusal to let the dead remain dead.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026

Definition of regret

Noun

The instinct in every one of these cases is to freak out, to fire off denials and go quiet, and that instinct is almost always the wrong one, since silence reads as guilt and panic reads as relevance.

— Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Burkhart chose not to testify in the guilt-innocence trial phase or at the punishment hearing.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026

Definition of guilt

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“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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