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 Hegseth is a disaster at the Pentagon, ratifying the qualms of senators of both parties who opposed his confirmation, which required the tie-breaking vote of Vice President JD Vance. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025 Maiden’s qualms with West aren’t unprecedented either. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 1 May 2025 During his campaign stumps, Mr. Trump’s qualms about crypto appeared to vanish. Eric Lipton, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Despite acknowledging current qualms on U.S. consumer spending, chief commercial officer Kevin Boone said in the company’s Wednesday earnings call that in the longer term, reindustrialization would be a boon to the CSX network. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for qualm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for qualm
Noun
  • There is no doubt that the strike will be recorded as one of the most successful strategic bombing operations in history.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • There's no doubt whoever comes out of this liberal rat race will be sent packing when Iowans re-elect America First fighter Mariannette Miller-Meeks next fall.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Generate three compelling arguments for this settlement amount, then anticipate the opposing counsel's three strongest objections.
    Kwame Christian Esq, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Reports have indicated that Punk had the option to turn down performing at the event but did not voice any objections.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • But general manager Don Waddell expressed no regrets or disappointment after one trade fell through and several others fizzled out before gaining any traction.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Moyers expressed regret for the spot — an attack on Johnson’s Republican opponent Barry Goldwater’s views on the use of nuclear weapons.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Even before he was elected president in 1998, Chávez had no compunction about breaking political norms and polarizing the country.
    DARON ACEMOGLU, Foreign Affairs, 15 June 2020
  • Notably, a factor behind the coup attempt was compunction about the granting of limited self-governance to Catalonia and the Basque country, which some members of the military feared was a prelude to the breakup of Spain.
    Omar G. Encarnación, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Qualm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/qualm. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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