demur 1 of 2

demur

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun demur differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of demur are compunction, qualm, and scruple. While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

accepted her decision without demur

When would compunction be a good substitute for demur?

The words compunction and demur are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

had compunctions about lying

In what contexts can qualm take the place of demur?

Although the words qualm and demur have much in common, qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment.

no qualms about plagiarizing

When is it sensible to use scruple instead of demur?

The meanings of scruple and demur largely overlap; however, 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 demur
Verb
Asked about the president’s latest remarks, Powell demurred, repeating the central bank’s commitments to its dual mandates to curb inflation and promote employment. Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 19 June 2025 Saville demurred when asked about her fearlessness in making grand-scale paintings while so young. Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 Analysts are split, with eight recommending the stock and eight demurring. John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 When asked specifically about whether fans from Iran and other affected nations would be given exemption from the travel ban for the World Cup, State Department principal deputy spokesman Thomas Pigott demurred. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for demur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demur
Noun
  • Over the objections of some Federal Trade Commission employees who sent a joint letter to Congress, that agency held a daylong session about how medical care for transgender people was a dangerous fraud.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
  • With maximum energy density, enhanced safety, and faster charging, nearly all objections to EV adoption would be eliminated.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • The village of Homer Glen objected to the Lockport Township proposal; Crete Township voiced concerns over the solar farm proposed in its community and 10 agencies, including Shorewood, the Troy Fire Protection District and various school districts, objected to the solar projects for Troy Township.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
  • The vote, early Thursday morning, was passed 51 to 48 following 12 hours of amendment votes, despite two Republicans objecting to the surrender of congressional control over federal funding.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • Assets left running for legitimate business reasons can be tagged with exception authorizations.
    Bojan Ilic, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • In recent decades, capital punishment has been abandoned or outlawed in most modern nations, the exceptions being countries like Cuba, China, North Korean, Iran — and the United States of America.
    Thomas Wenski, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • At ages 80 and 87 respectively, Sisters Ann Kendrick and Gail Grimes are still taking to the streets to protest injustice and rolling up their sleeves to minister to the downtrodden.
    Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
  • During the raid, crowds of people gathered outside Glass House Farms in Camarillo to seek information about their relatives and protest immigration enforcement.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • By July, the department had dismissed thousands of these complaints, raising concerns about whether each case was being dutifully considered.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 15 July 2025
  • Building inspector Major construction work continues at the U.S. Federal Reserve building as U.S. President Donald Trump voices complaints about Fed Chair Jerome Powell, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 14, 2025.
    Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • A number of Tesla shareholders, including some Democrats who oversee the investment of public sector pension fund money in Tesla stock, complained in May to Tesla Board Chair Robyn Denholm that Musk’s other activities are hurting the company.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • Essentially, the legislation does away with a process that some have complained can be time-consuming and expensive—at least in some cases.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demur. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on demur

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!