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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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
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
-
The inconsistency in messaging raises further doubts that negotiators can meet their 60-day deadline after the two sides traded attacks over the weekend, straining their already fragile ceasefire.
-
Harry Kane is reportedly reconsidering his Bayern Munich future after FC Barcelona made contact, sparking doubts in his camp.
Noun
-
But his qualms weren’t about the level of destruction in Gaza or the high civilian toll, both of which drew global outrage.
-
Smith's qualms stemmed from the massive requirements for the presidential visit, which shut down surrounding streets near Madison Square Garden and forced police to clear out outdoor watch parties.
Noun
-
The politically complicated situation has raised a few eyebrows — and ethical concerns — among some aldermen who passed the legislation allowing VGTs over the objections of Mayor Brandon Johnson.
-
When New England became a stop on major international trade routes, the multicultural floodgates opened and Puritan objections to things like fashion, elaborate design, lavish displays of wealth and other things deemed excessive were being continually, casually challenged.
Noun
-
Still, there are some smart, well-meaning voices of caution who warn Democrats against forgetting their scruples.
-
The people of every commune knew and feared those like him — stern figures in black whose ideological devotion appeared to outweigh any moral scruples.
Noun
-
The history of reception is also a history of cherished hopes, beliefs, and misgivings.
-
These misgivings only grow given the stiffness of the sentences.
Cite this Entry
“Compunctions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compunctions. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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