Synonym Chooser

How does the noun compunction differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of compunction are demur, qualm, and scruple. While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

had compunctions about lying

When is demur a more appropriate choice than compunction?

In some situations, the words demur and compunction are roughly equivalent. However, demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

accepted her decision without demur

When could qualm be used to replace compunction?

Although the words qualm and compunction have much in common, qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment.

no qualms about plagiarizing

In what contexts can scruple take the place of compunction?

While in some cases nearly identical to compunction, 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 compunction Colvin never felt any ethical compunctions about selling solar panels. Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025 Indulging the illusion that humans can control these systems while war is ongoing will tie democratic nations’ hands against adversaries with no such compunctions. Sebastian Elbaum, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2024 People with elevated psychopathic traits lie—constantly, intentionally, with great skill, and without compunction. Gautam Mukunda, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 And if the writers are true to Tolkien, our heroes will have no compunctions about killing many, many, many orcs. Caitlin Penzeymoog, Vox, 7 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for compunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction
Noun
  • There is no doubt that Bayern is going to make another offer for the Liverpool forward.
    Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The primary reason Solomon cited for his doubts is that the meteorites formed much earlier than the best estimates for the ages of rocks now on Mercury’s surface.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • And third, anyone without scruples can sell prescription opioids on the black market.
    Keith Humphreys, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2018
  • 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
Noun
  • Known for their efficiency and lack of remorse, the duo will kill anyone as long as the price is right.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • Awarding his character the poetry of remorse undercuts Vic’s arc as an animal that Quilla only thought was capable of love.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Over the objections of some Federal Trade Commission employees who sent a joint letter to Congress, that agency held a daylong session about how medical care for transgender people was a dangerous fraud.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
  • Particularly because one of her objections to Peggy is also her darker complexion.
    Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Despite the many trade qualms Trump has broadcast as having with the European Union, prompting him to threaten higher tariffs on several occasions, the trading bloc appears to have not received a letter from him.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
  • But Guerin has no qualms about missing Friday’s first round in order to get Jiricek in green and red.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Something Beautiful is an album of soaring regret and fantasy, a pivot into the themes of late youth.
    Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
  • Filled with grief, shame and regret after being confronted, Shalla-Bal flies off into space, leaving Earth.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • There's a lot of guilt … a ton of fear, but there's also deep gratitude.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • Wood sent to prison after violating probation A Jan. 1, 2010, incident — five months after his initial probation ended — led to an admission of guilt by Wood.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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