Synonyms of demur

demur 1 of 2

noun

as in objection

a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent

we accepted his offer to pay for our dinners without demur

Synonyms & Similar Words

• objection
• exception
• complaint
• question
• protest
• challenge
• demurral
• criticism
• remonstrance
• fuss
• demurrer
• expostulation
• difficulty
• doubt
• suspicion
• stink
• cavil
• dispute
• dissent
• compunction
• quarrel
• qualm
• kick
• quibble
• scruple
• skepticism
• censure
• reluctance
• argument
• misgiving
• misunderstanding
• squabble
• uncertainty
• debate
• disobedience
• unwillingness
• distrust
• static
• mistrust
• unease
• rebellion
• defiance
• reservation
• uneasiness
• dubiety
• niggle
• conflict
• incertitude
• indetermination
• dubitation
• misdoubt
• mistrustfulness
• distrustfulness
• hassle
• qualmishness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• willingness
• approval
• sanction
• agreement
• acceptance
• assent
• acquiescence
• compliance
• obedience

demur

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈmər 

as in to object

to present an opposing opinion or argument

don't hesitate to demur to the idea if you have any qualms

Synonyms & Similar Words

• object
• protest
• complain
• expostulate
• except
• kick
• whine
• take exception
• remonstrate (with)
• take issue
• cavil
• dare
• criticize
• quarrel
• quibble
• balk
• moan
• conflict
• murmur
• challenge
• debate
• fight
• stick
• mutter
• dispute
• grumble
• defy
• repine
• wrangle
• scream
• squabble
• holler
• squawk
• keen
• nag
• bleat
• bitch
• rebel
• whimper
• denounce
• disobey
• wail
• gripe
• grouse
• beef
• growl
• censure
• withstand
• hassle
• fuss
• demonstrate
• bellyache
• whinge
• caterwaul
• yowl
• yammer
• squeal
• carp
• gag
• grizzle
• maunder
• croak
• grouch
• crab
• yawp
• grump

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• accept
• agree
• comply
• sanction
• follow
• obey
• observe
• acquiesce
• conform
• adhere
• defend
• accede
• support
• maintain
• mind
• advocate
• assent
• sustain
• uphold
• commend
• applaud
• cheer
• champion

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

Recent Examples of demur

Verb

Jassy demurred, declining to take Anthropic’s side, the people said. —Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 4 Mar. 2026

When his defense minister and other security officials pushed right after October 7 for Israel to strike not just Hamas but also Hezbollah, Netanyahu demurred. —Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026

When asked about his place in history last week during spring training at Camelback Ranch, Nelson demurred. —Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026

Asked if his demands constituted extortion, Jackson demurred. —Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026