demur 1 of 2

demur

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun demur differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of demur are compunction, qualm, and scruple. While all these words mean "a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do," demur implies hesitation caused by objection to an outside suggestion or influence.

accepted her decision without demur

When would compunction be a good substitute for demur?

The words compunction and demur are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compunction implies a spontaneous feeling of responsibility or compassion for a potential victim.

had compunctions about lying

In what contexts can qualm take the place of demur?

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

no qualms about plagiarizing

When is it sensible to use scruple instead of demur?

The meanings of scruple and demur largely overlap; however, 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 demur
Verb
Asked about the streaming event about those controversies, Bloys demurred. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2024 Asked if these relationships could lead to bipartisan legislation, Garcia demurred. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2024 But when asked directly about their responses to the EPA questionnaire on PFAS sources, many demurred. Cecilia Garzella, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024 Asked whether the new Labour government here might smooth the way to an IPO in London, Tang demurred once again. Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for demur 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demur
Noun
  • That expansion came over the objection of the court's chief justice at the time.
    Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • That immediately elicited objections from the South Arkansas Minerals Association, which also objected to the December application, and dozens of other mineral rights owners.
    Ainsley Platt, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The prosecution objected to the order as plaintiffs in civil litigation against Combs are outside the purview of the criminal court, according to the news outlet.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Black residents in Ogden similarly objected to a proposal earlier that year that would've banned them from housing north of Washington Boulevard.
    Erin Alberty, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • There was one notable exception: Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, a Republican, got kicked out of a voting center at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix for crossing the 75-foot line that marks the campaigning limit.
    Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024
  • So, with the notable exception of Bouchard as sheriff, Democratic incumbents had strong leads in their bids to return to countywide offices.
    Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Joe Gibbs Racing cannot protest the ruling and on Monday morning Christopher Bell threw some shade on social media with a passive aggressive dig that Chevys were in cahoots to advance their own drivers.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Tunisians have tried to protest Saied’s authoritarianism, kindling hope among observers that the country might return to its democratizing trajectory.
    Sarah E. Yerkes, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Earlier on Wednesday, the union representing the department’s rank-and-file officers, whose complaints to county officials triggered the report, asserted that their recent public criticism of Corpus only had to do with her job performance.
    Ryan Macasero, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • The day after Simpson’s arrest last month, a federal complaint was filed against him.
    Antonio Planas, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Auto dealers who sell its products have complained that high prices have left inventories piling up.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The late-night show cut to footage of Trump speaking at his rallies in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania on Friday and Saturday, respectively, and complaining about people like Rep. Adam Schiff.
    Michaela Zee, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near demur

Cite this Entry

“Demur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demur. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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