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 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

But the public show of confidence hasn’t quieted longstanding doubts about Collins’ chances of ousting Ossoff.

— Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
The unity shown in Ankara will only stimulate additional doubts over Moscow’s capacity to end the conflict favorably.

— Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 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

Even some fans in Mexico express remorse about the wave of anti-Argentine sentiment — much of which has been playing out, sometimes crudely, online.

— Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Brody also cited the former stockbroker Patten's remorse for his crime of securities fraud, and his history of seizures, which included two in February and May, as other reasons for a non-prison sentence.

— Dan Mangan, CNBC, 15 July 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

The people who did it anyway The objection says courage doesn't survive the incentives.

— Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
In one case, the panel concluded Martinez improperly allowed two high school students to sit with him on the bench during a hearing despite an objection from one of the parties.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026

Definition of objection

Noun

While the top British regulator has expressed qualms too, signaling a possible review that could delay the process, Paramount has won approval from the Justice Department and many regulators abroad.

— David Folkenflik, NPR, 13 July 2026
Strong-willed and fearless, Laura has no qualms about asking questions and walking to the beat of her own drum.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 July 2026

Definition of qualm

Noun

Quotes of the Day These are just some of the headlines from the English newspapers this morning as the country wakes up to the regret and misery that comes from World Cup elimination.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Amenities and experiences My biggest regret from my stay was not making it down for afternoon tea in the Grand Hall.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026

Definition of regret

Noun

The jury’s guilt-innocence verdict appears to be an assessment that Royal intentionally or knowingly caused Watkins’ death, but not during a robbery.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026
What’s surprsing, however, is that the two habits that turn up again and again in the closest, most durable couples suggest the guilt is misplaced.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of guilt

Browse Nearby Words

compulsory

compunction

compunctions

See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

Style

“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of compunction

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on compunction

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

raffish

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes