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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunctious
Adjective
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Carol is a very successful writer who’s ashamed of the work that’s become her calling card.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025 -
Here’s where the show does have some awareness about its characters’ problematic indiscretions, and Carrington pushes back to point out that a relationship with a trans woman isn’t anything to be ashamed of.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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River, tree, sorry, adder, stink, future, plughole.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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The city is home to endless freeways, not-great public transportation, dry air and hard water, clout-chasing name-droppers, oppressive wellness culture, and $20 status smoothies (which are delicious, sorry to say).—
Rachel Brodsky,
Rolling Stone,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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During her sentencing, Javice appeared remorseful, according to several reports.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
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While the lyrics seem remorseful, Cardi’s only regrets are for him.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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During training, Lozano’s Instagram account posted an apologetic message in English.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Oct. 2025
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When Joanne and Morgan finally confront Abby about the American Girl Doll incident, the latter is apologetic.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Clooney’s Jay is reflective and regretful about the choices he’s made throughout his career — which have left his adult children feeling abandoned and neglected — but the film seldom paints him as cruel or even all that foolish.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
17 Oct. 2025
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Wilson is one of the richest characters in Stamp’s oeuvre: regretful and resigned, hilarious and mournful, and deeply angry yet with flashes of tenderness.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
19 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Compunctious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunctious. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.
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