qualm

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 My only qualm is that there was no dance-off between members of the Bananas and their bitter rivals, the Party Animals. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025 There are those that express qualms about handing over AGI to the UN. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Other Republicans declined to criticize the boat strike on Monday, with none expressing qualms about an operation whose legal rationale has drawn skepticism from experts. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025 And despite Paris’ qualms with the film, Michael does otherwise have the backing of the Jackson estate. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for qualm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for qualm
Noun
  • And though there’s no doubt the Panthers don’t bring the same television audience as the Toronto Maple Leafs or the New York Rangers or even the rebuilding Blackhawks, the buzz in South Florida is very real.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Kind and generous fellows were no doubt among the British soldiers killed at Bunker Hill.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And by Tuesday afternoon, Texas National Guard troops had arrived at a training center outside of Chicago — despite the vehement objections of local leaders, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 7 Oct. 2025
  • But these objections miss the point.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s administration was right to send an emissary after ICE’s Hyundai raid to express regret and negotiate a new business visa process for South Koreans, despite criticism from the more anti-immigrant MAGA base.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • But just because regret or wanting your own life are taboo, does not make the sentiments any less real, or common.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The boundaries of the world are delineated neatly by your compunctions.
    Matthew Shen Goodman, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
  • But other activists also give in when faced with enormous pressure from a state that has no compunction about arranging killings and targeting family members.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Qualm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/qualm. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on qualm

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!