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
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 Asked about the streaming event about those controversies, Bloys demurred. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 27 May 2025 But Mia demurred, citing the pressure of her job and her studies. Barbara Demick, New Yorker, 23 May 2025 Most toed the union line, although Villaraigosa, who sparred with education unions during his mayoralty, demurred on the unemployment insurance issue, citing its cost and the state’s chronic budget deficits. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for demur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demur
Noun
  • Reports have indicated that Punk had the option to turn down performing at the event but did not voice any objections.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • If leaders moved ahead without altering the provisions, the measures could be challenged, requiring a 60-vote threshold to overcome objections.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Locals object to 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility Local advocates organized a protest against the detention site on June 22 for concerns about the impact on the surrounding environment and community, the Fort Myers News-Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • The House objected and removed the center from the bill.
    Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Aside from the pandemic anomaly, the World Bank data also showed that only three exceptions to annual passenger growth occurred post-1980.
    Dana Dunne, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Federal contractors and in some cases subcontractors are an exception, as are a handful of states.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Many residents protested the decision at the June 9 meeting, leading to some acrimony between trustees.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • With th is amendment, Florida taxpayers will get less ripped off by Blue States handing out free healthcare to illegals and twenty-somethings too busy protesting to get jobs.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The Biden administration warned that would lead to a huge backlog of complaints and strain the government’s resources, should thousands of borrowers now have to present their cases in court, and would harm borrowers by forcing them to default on their loans in order to possibly get relief.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Officers responded to a burglary complaint about 7:30 a.m. Sunday, when employees at the city’s Parks and Recreation Department told cops someone was stuck in the chimney of a building in Rockwell Park, Bristol Police Lt. Desmond Wilson said.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • His team-mates celebrated; the Boca players complained furiously, surrounding the referee and pointing at Marchesin.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Several commentors have defended Wong and her administration, but others have complained there’s a pattern of high-handedness at Bloomfield town hall.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demur. Accessed 5 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!