qualm

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 Many Republicans have now expressed their qualms about cutting the program too deeply amid significant backlash, and a key committee chairman said this week that one leading policy idea — per capita caps — is moving toward the back burner. Maya Goldman, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025 While the logic of his qualm with Santos is sound, the emotion of it has a lot to do with something else. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 6 Mar. 2025 Boasting a creamy, almost serum-like texture, this offers a surprising medium coverage against dark spots, dark circles, and various other complexion qualms. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025 While there are no significant qualms about sticking with the current combination, Brian Robinson Jr.’s production faded as the season progressed, and the final year of Austin Ekeler’s contract isn’t fully guaranteed. Ben Standig, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for qualm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for qualm
Noun
  • On Sunday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with the families of two girls who had died from measles in West Texas—and raised doubts about the safety of vaccines.
    Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Some of the Supreme Court’s conservatives have cast doubts about the precedent in recent years.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Provide 7 realistic objections or reasons for apathy that typical customers might have.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • There has never been an objection to describing this highly brutal, murderous conduct in words, nor did anyone object to this office when such crime scene images were recently shown on a Netflix documentary.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Even if a Super Bowl never came for the duo of Martin and Smith, something both acknowledged as their only regret from their respective careers, each played a pivotal role in maintaining the storied tradition of the Dallas offensive line.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Odom told PEOPLE in 2019 of his deep regret at cheating on his ex-wife.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Even before he was elected president in 1998, Chávez had no compunction about breaking political norms and polarizing the country.
    DARON ACEMOGLU, Foreign Affairs, 15 June 2020
  • Notably, a factor behind the coup attempt was compunction about the granting of limited self-governance to Catalonia and the Basque country, which some members of the military feared was a prelude to the breakup of Spain.
    Omar G. Encarnación, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Qualm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/qualm. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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