COMPUNCTIOUS Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

compunctious

adjective

Definition of compunctious

as in ashamed

feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done he appeared not the least bit compunctious about ditching his friends at the restaurant and leaving them to pay the bill

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunctious

Adjective

She would be horrified, hurt—ashamed, even, of Zeenat’s behavior.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Legendary Iran striker Ali Daei, widely recognised as one of Asia’s greatest ever soccer players, was once a client but Beiranvand felt too ashamed to introduce himself.

— Colin Millar, New York Times, 27 June 2026

Definition of ashamed

Adjective

This is Ian coming into contact with me through the cosmos and saying, ‘Look, sorry for taking your name.

— Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
The following selections span the gambit from absorbent coasters to rattan coasters to high-quality pieces that are only occasionally dishwasher-safe—sorry.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026

Definition of sorry

Adjective

Instead of trying to hide the battery pack behind oversized body panels, the Streetdog integrates it into the overall silhouette in a way that feels deliberate rather than apologetic.

— Utkarsh Sood June 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2026
Palmer was immediately apologetic, though her family was already laughing.

— Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026

Definition of apologetic

Adjective

Regina genuinely likes Louis, is regretful about getting loud with him, and after learning about Claudia feels sorry for him.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
That’s interesting because there’s not been a case being made for going back in, just a lot of regretful noises.

— Mishal Husain, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026

Definition of regretful

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.

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compunctions

compunctious

compurgation

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“Compunctious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunctious. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of compunctious

adjective

Example Sentences

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