COMPUNCTION Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

compunction

noun

kəm-ˈpəŋ(k)-shən

Definition of compunction next

as in doubt

an uneasy feeling about the rightness of what one is doing or going to do throughout her school years she cheated without compunction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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