demur 1 of 2

Definition of demurnext

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
Auchincloss, though, demurred from challenging Markey in the 2026 election cycle. David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025 When asked about his Game 2 and possible Game 3 starters on Monday, Roberts tried to demur. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2025 But, when asked about the book’s relatively tepid judgments of the President and his party, Manchin has deflected or demurred. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025 Ronson politely demurred the money twice until Combs barked at him with an expletive to take the money. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demur
Noun
  • At a City Hall news conference, the mayor responded to a question about retroactive changes to the 2026 budget, which aldermen passed over his objections last month, by reiterating the package could force personnel cuts.
    Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
  • During the certification process, members of Congress have the opportunity to object to a state’s results, which triggers debate and then a vote about whether the objection is to be upheld.
    Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Egypt, which was part of European qualifying, objected to being asked to play during Ramadan, giving Romania a walkover.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.
    Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • That type of big-moment success was more the exception than the rule, however, in a Chiefs defensive season defined by letdowns in late, game-changing moments.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Smith maintained many of the gifts cited by Cannon fell under exceptions to the disclosure rules, including those governing charity event tickets and gifts for birthdays or holidays.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • From silently protesting at Pushkin Square to being exiled in a brutal prison camp, this book is a powerful tribute to the Russian dissidents who fought for freedom and justice while trying to evade the KGB.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Hall skyrocketed to fame for her role, and her character's death was even protested in 1979.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Until Verizon amends its complaint and the judge rules on the emergency request, there is no court directive preventing the association from moving forward with the rooftop work that Verizon says would interrupt wireless service in the area.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Beyond the service commitments, the complaint accuses HMM of conditioning access to space on the payment of peak season surcharges (PSS) and other extra-contractual fees—despite contract language that expressly barred such add-ons unless mutually agreed.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In recent years, staff have complained of poor working conditions brought on by overcrowding, despite director Laurence des Cars’s 2023 move to cap attendance at 30,000 visitors daily, accompanied by a ticket price increase.
    News Desk, Artforum, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Later that day, the parents of other dancers and talent-show participants complained that my afro had covered up their kids on-screen.
    Questlove, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demur. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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