COMPUNCTIONS Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

compunctions

noun

plural of compunction

as in doubts

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

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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 compunctions Johnson clearly felt no such compunctions. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026 Russia and Ukraine show no compunctions about killing the civilians of their enemy. — Oded J K Faran, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025 The boundaries of the world are delineated neatly by your compunctions. — Matthew Shen Goodman, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compunctions

Noun

Gulf states push China to restrain Iran Gulf states are pushing for China to rein in Iran as doubts grow about the US’ ability to end the five-month conflict.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Early today, the Pisces Moon may stir private doubts or behind-the-scenes frustration as Venus highlights work and wellness .

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of doubts

Noun

The letter by Raskin and colleagues raises numerous objections to the concept of morphing three affordable courses used by golfers of all levels into a more expensive course designed for professionals.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 2026
By Elisabeth Zerofsky How the late-night host won comedy’s biggest prize — despite the White House’s objections.

— Daniel Bergner Elisabeth Zerofsky Benoit Denizet-Lewis David Marchese Charles Homans Kwame Anthony Appiah Sophie Haigney Chris Almeida Ismail Muhammad John Hodgman, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of objections

Noun

Still, there are some smart, well-meaning voices of caution who warn Democrats against forgetting their scruples.

— Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
The people of every commune knew and feared those like him — stern figures in black whose ideological devotion appeared to outweigh any moral scruples.

— Matthew Campbell, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026

Definition of scruples

Noun

Several Republican senators expressed misgivings about accepting the plane, pointing to the potential for security and legal risks.

— Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
But many women who have become first lady of California and the nation have expressed misgivings about taking on such a role.

— Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of misgivings

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compunction

compunctions

compunctious

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“Compunctions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunctions. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of compunctions

noun

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