QUALM Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

qualm

noun

ˈkwäm

Definition of qualm next

as in doubt

an uneasy feeling about the rightness of what one is doing or going to do she has no qualms about downloading pirated music files from the Internet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 Rockstar would have few qualms about spending $2 billion on GTA 6 when GTA 5 has sold 205 million copies and brought in at least $8.5 billion in revenue. —

Paul Tassi, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 Behind the scenes, however, some editors expressed qualms about the reporting, court filings show. —

David Folkenflik, NPR, 5 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for qualm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for qualm

Noun

Beyond any doubt, his response would have been laughter—not surprise.

— Robert Pinsky, The New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2025
The future of The Watcher has been in serious doubt after its co-creator Ryan Murphy moved his overall deal to Disney in 2023.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025