demur 1 of 2

demur

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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
China, for its part, has repeatedly demurred, preferring to extract more concessions from Moscow instead. Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported that Simmons demurred on a one-year contract offer from New York earlier this offseason. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 Asked how to dress in the style of Tommy Hilfiger or if President Donald Trump wore Polo, the technology demurred. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025 Trump has repeatedly demurred on whether Putin is stringing him along, and an in-person meeting could buy the Russian leader more time without producing concrete results toward a ceasefire in Ukraine. Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demur
Noun
  • Democrats countered that the GOP proposal actually is partisan, since Republicans are seeking to extend funding following the passage of a controversial spending bill that narrowly passed in July over the objections of all congressional Democrats.
    Kevin Breuninger,Sam Meredith, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Burr’s take on the event comes as some comedians such as Shane Gillis, Marc Maron and David Cross have voiced objections to the festival, with Cross blasting comics — including citing Burr — who participated.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kenvue, Tylenol’s manufacturer, objected to the assertion, but studies worldwide have landed on both sides of a possible connection.
    Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 27 Sep. 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, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • One option would require universal permitting, meaning every business that emits the five toxics would need a permit, and another proposal would require universal permitting with some exceptions.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025
  • But after three weeks, that 27-13 loss in Green Bay is more of an exception than the rule; Detroit has scored 52, 38 and 34 points since, and now owns the league’s best point margin.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The game was punctuated by Kotsay’s late ejection, with the manager making the long walk to the clubhouse in the top of the ninth inning after protesting an umpire call.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • While explaining his reasoning behind the proposal to the committee, Piagentini offered a few examples of organizations that applied for permits to protest in public spaces but were denied.
    Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The decision to place Hauck on leave followed three complaints accusing him of inappropriate speech on multiple occasions, according to records received via a Freedom of Information Act request.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The station chief filed a complaint with the State Department’s Office of the Inspector General, charging that Manes had unfairly dismissed him, among other allegations.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In April, 44-year-old Marie Ange Blaise, a Haitian, died while being held at GEO’s Pompano Beach facility after complaining of chest pains.
    Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
  • And faculty worry that teaching certain subject matter and texts might offend students and, if students complain, lead to administrative sanctions.
    Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demur. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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