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

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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 This regime has no such compunction. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 17 June 2026 The Islamic Republic slaughtered tens of thousands of Iranians earlier this year without compunction and remains in power despite military intervention by America and Israel. — Joobin Bekhrad, Time, 10 June 2026 Johnson clearly felt no such compunctions. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for compunction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction

Noun

There will without a doubt be moments and instances when an injury will create challenges, like Sunday’s absence of Kaydn Proctor, who is sidelined with a concussion this week, and replaced by Jarrett Kingston.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026
The eighteen-meter-tall brick curve that encases the altar has a tremendous body, nearly ominous in its presence, that imparts an intuitive understanding—even amid the doubt—that what provides shelter necessarily does so through strength.

— Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of doubt

Noun

Spreadsheets existed in 2006, but here they are kept, like everyone’s shame and scruples, firmly out of sight.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
Hilton rejects the argument floated by some of his former colleagues that his scruples became a casualty of his ambition.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of scruple

Noun

Prosecutors urged a lengthy sentence based on Skroko’s criminal history and lack of remorse.

— Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
At the hearing, prosecutors argued for life in prison, citing the brothers’ decadeslong assaults of dozens of women (over 70 have come forward) and lack of remorse.

— Kim Velsey, Curbed, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

During a May 19 hearing, a judge set his bail at $1,000 over objection of the District Attorney's office and ordered him not to contact his wife or return to the family home.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Judge Faruqui seemed skeptical of the objection, saying that the testimony appeared to be directly relevant to his eventual determination of whether there is sufficient probable cause for the charges.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of objection

Noun

Taking Ownership of Morocco’s Creativity Reflecting on how Moroccans are perceived in the broader industry, one of El Moutii’s biggest qualms is the conception that Morocco is a hub for cheap labor and goods.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
However, Fergie doesn’t seem to have the same qualms about Prince William.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of qualm

Noun

Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid Forward La Liga also issued an official statement expressing deep regret over the hurt caused to Chinese fans by Mbappé's remarks, adding that his personal views do not represent the Spanish league's position.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
The university said officials had reached out to McAfee to express their appreciation and regret.

— Stepheny Price OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of regret

Noun

Through imposing guilt by association and collective punishments, the North Korean state has spent decades attenuating the relationships through which private anger might be converted into collective action.

— Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
But the main focus is Sanaa’s relationship with her late father and her guilt over how she may be connected to his crimes.

— Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of guilt

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compunction

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“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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