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

Examples 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 Calhoun belonged to a generation of scientists who had no compunctions about straying from their disciplinary lane. Ben Goldfarb, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024 But what survives most of all is the film’s utter ruthlessness—its lack of compunction about immolating an elevator full of partygoers or bumping off its most sympathetic character in a fiery final stretch. The New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2024 Ashlee is gleefully devoid of morals, compunctions, or misgivings. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2024 In fact, by doing so, U.S. investors are furthering the goals of an authoritarian government that has shown no compunction manipulating foreign investors and leveraging market access to advance its national interests. Oren Cass, Foreign Affairs, 25 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for compunction 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction
Noun
  • While there have already been glimpses of this in the past with former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace and Joe Hendry, there's no doubt fans will see more of this, especially heading into the Royal Rumble.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
  • In addition, conservative thought leaders — including those behind the Project 2025 playbook — have been contemplating Trump’s return for years, and have no doubt been helping Trump craft orders that are less vulnerable to legal challenges, the experts said.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • So Ranieri put his scruples over De Rossi to one side and heard them out.
    James Horncastle, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Randy Orton essentially played his cold robot doppelgänger, a fellow handsome main-eventer who lacked Cena’s scruples.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 18 July 2024
Noun
  • Latin Americans right now are having a little bit of buyer’s remorse.
    Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Trump will also have a chance to address the court, which many defendants use as an opportunity to convince the judge of their remorse.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The film has been criticized for trafficking in clichés and gender stereotypes, for equating transitioning with death, for presenting it as a kind of moral redemption, for making older cisgender audiences feel virtuous by endorsing it, among other objections.
    Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025
  • And appeals courts have upheld the gag order over Trump’s First Amendment objections.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Mohammed Kudus, however, struggled against Fulham’s defence and Potter had no qualms about withdrawing him after 63 minutes.
    Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Klemm had no qualms about having the 5-foot-7 Dumpit handle the ball down the stretch.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Jonsson has no regrets and no desire to bring it back.
    Hank Tucker, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • But Spencer made no apologies and offered no regrets.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt: A 21-year-old man from Naperville was arrested on a warrant at 7:25 p.m. Jan. 11 in the 800 block of Springhill Circle.
    Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Cortland agreed to a consent decree in the case, which will resolve any claims against the company without admission of guilt, according to the Justice Department’s news release.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 13 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near compunction

Cite this Entry

“Compunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunction. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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