qualm

Definition of qualmnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun qualm differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of qualm are compunction, demur, and scruple. While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment.

no qualms about plagiarizing

When would compunction be a good substitute for qualm?

While the synonyms compunction and qualm are close in meaning, compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

had compunctions about lying

When might demur be a better fit than qualm?

The meanings of demur and qualm largely overlap; however, demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

accepted her decision without demur

When is scruple a more appropriate choice than qualm?

The words scruple and qualm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 qualm The study was commissioned by the team to assuage future free agents’ qualms about the facilities after a viral online theory put forth the idea that injuries to a number of the players were due to where their training facility was situated. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 30 Mar. 2026 At lunchtime, hunger overrides my qualms. Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 By no means a modest person, Frenza has no qualms about giving herself a generous bonus. Agnieszka Szpila, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 The confident defensive back has no qualms with covering the middle of the field in the NFL. Mike Kaye march 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for qualm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for qualm
Noun
  • After reviewing the case, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office and the Draper City Prosecutor have declined to file charges against Paul, citing insufficient evidence to prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
  • But while the civil court found the war crimes allegations were mostly proven on a balance of probabilities, the war crime murder charges would have to be proved in a criminal court to a higher standard of beyond reasonable doubt.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The obvious objection is that assigning ownership means nothing unless people honor the assignments.
    Antony Davies, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Gloria’s plan drew immediate objections from groups citywide, including in La Jolla.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For many athletes, an injury of this magnitude could lead them down a dark path of regret, anger and even self-loathing, but with help from his village at TCU, Ibukun-Okeyode was able to forge his own path.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Their unexpected connection propels them on a road trip to San Francisco… As the landscapes shift from the bustling city to serene coastal towns, their relationship deepens, revealing vulnerabilities, regrets and dreams.
    Kennedy French, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The overriding impression of Altman from Farrow and Marantz’s story is of a borderline sociopath; an executive with no compunction about lying to get ahead.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • And second, airing poor behavior within a community can normalize it so that others feel less compunction about their own sins.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Qualm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/qualm. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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