Synonyms of qualm

qualm

noun

ˈkwäm 

as in doubt

an uneasy feeling about the rightness of what one is doing or going to do

she has no qualms about downloading pirated music files from the Internet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doubt
• objection
• regret
• compunction
• misgiving
• scruple
• remorse
• question
• guilt
• suspicion
• conscience
• uncertainty
• unease
• skepticism
• distrust
• mistrust
• reluctance
• reservation
• uneasiness
• dubiety
• protest
• unwillingness
• misdoubt
• remonstrance
• shame
• uncertainness
• incertitude
• indisposition
• disinclination
• demur
• contrition
• qualmishness
• repentance
• fuss
• aversion
• penitence
• self-reproach

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conviction
• certainty
• assurance
• confidence
• certitude
• aplomb
• sureness
• self-confidence
• self-assurance

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

Recent Examples of qualm

Still, other board members had qualms going into the meeting on specific contract renewals. — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026

Activist teens or those with an interest in politics have similar qualms about AI. — Staff Author, Parents, 7 June 2026

Unlike her, my father had no qualms about breaking rules. — Andrea Bajani, New Yorker, 7 June 2026

While Emily would never pair a massive Balenciaga City Bag with brown suede sneakers, Collins had no such qualms with the look while traveling across Europe last summer. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 4 June 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!