QUALM Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

qualm

noun

ˈkwäm

Definition of qualm next

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

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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

Examples of qualm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Another qualm is that the steps would seemingly reveal what is happening inside the AI to solve problems and answer questions. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 Our tester loved this pillow, but her only qualm was having to store the unused fill. —

Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2024 Torrey DeVitto had no qualms about moving on from The Vampire Diaries after her divorce from Paul Wesley. —

Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024 Their voices and guitars are in exhilarating sync, but Dandelion, sensing something amiss, pours qualms into her songs. —

Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for qualm

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'qualm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.