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scruple

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noun (2)

scruple

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scruple differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scruple are compunction, demur, and qualm. While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," scruple implies doubt of the rightness of an act on grounds of principle.

no scruples against buying stolen goods

In what contexts can compunction take the place of scruple?

The meanings of compunction and scruple largely overlap; however, compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

had compunctions about lying

Where would demur be a reasonable alternative to scruple?

Although the words demur and scruple have much in common, demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

accepted her decision without demur

When could qualm be used to replace scruple?

The synonyms qualm and scruple are sometimes interchangeable, but qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment.

no qualms about plagiarizing

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 scruple
Noun
Incensed at being outsmarted, the CEO of Weyland-Yutani (Sandra Yi Sencindive) allows one of her employees, a cyborg with very few scruples named Morrow (Babou Ceesay), to use any means necessary to reacquire the biological specimens. Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 At this point in its history, the theory goes, the United States requires a willful and largely unaccountable power to impose changes that leaders with more delicate sensibilities and procedural scruples cannot ever accomplish. Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025 This film for me is about morals and scruples and what people will do or won’t do for money. Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025 Mitevska clearly has no such scruples. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025 Seen against the backdrop of recent events, Vought’s disdain for the rule-of-law scruples of Federalist Society legal thinkers seems entirely in line with Trump’s recent post suggesting a federal judge shouldn’t have authority over his administration. Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 20 Mar. 2025 Leon Del Forno: Yes, considering there are fewer examples of creative directors with long tenures, and brands and groups now have fewer scruples about changing creative directors. Joelle Diderich, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025 Waller — The Viola Davis Suicide Squad and Peacemaker spinoff about the espionage director without scruples remains in the works despite a bumpy development road impacted by the strikes. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2025 The president's executive order pausing FCPA enforcement may act as a green light for corporate executives, both foreign and domestic, who have a high risk appetite and few ethical scruples about bribes and other forms of corruption. Felix Salmon, Axios, 12 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scruple
Verb
  • The Bears quarterback didn't hesitate to offer some self-criticism in his postgame remarks either.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Look for Maker’s Marks While at the thrift store, don’t hesitate to turn an item over to inspect it further.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Max Verstappen's victories in the last two Grands Prix have brought him back into the championship fight, although the 69-point gap to Piastri can only be achieved if McLaren falters on every race weekend.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Years later, Rick Ankiel, a Cardinals pitcher, could no longer throw strikes—yet, when he was moved to the outfield, his accuracy rarely faltered from a greater distance.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scruple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scruple. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scruple

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