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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Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunctious

Adjective

For a long time, Williams felt ashamed about having to use buy now, pay later for basic expenses.

— Adriana Morga, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Zirin handily establishes that Zinn’s intention was to make readers feel empowered, not ashamed.

— Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of ashamed

Adjective

Chances are, your local Trader Joe’s has a selection that’s just as gourd—sorry—good.

— Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
And with lead performances like Mays’ and Hamilton’s, the production is — sorry to do this here — worth your visit.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of sorry

Adjective

Without becoming defensive or overly apologetic, respectfully reinforce that your decision has already been made.

— Jasmine Johnson, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
After meeting at a society reception, Henry sets out to marry Henrietta, an endearingly clumsy, overly apologetic botanist with ambitions of discovering a new species of fern.

— Air Mail, Air Mail, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of apologetic

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 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of compunctious

adjective

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