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

The president’s decision to order strikes against Iran and other key locations was mostly supported by Republican lawmakers, though there have been some qualms about the potential for ground troops to be used, something Trump has not ruled out. —Tara Suter, The Hill, 5 Mar. 2026

But Johnson had no such qualms. —Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026

The show itself makes no qualms about being Irish. —Anna Russell, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026

Trying to gather gossip under her own byline didn't work as well, and the new mom was also started to have ethical qualms about her work of ruining the reputations of women and men in the 'ton. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 27 Feb. 2026

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