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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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

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Recent Examples of compunction 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 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 See all Example Sentences for compunction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunction

Noun

Total theaters booked are 4,100 including all premium large format screens and Imax, no doubt.

— Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy and all remaining doubts about him lifted as well.

— Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025