QUALM Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

qualm

noun

ˈkwäm

Definition of qualm

as in doubt

an uneasy feeling about the rightness of what one is doing or going to do she has no qualms about downloading pirated music files from the Internet

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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 Still, other board members had qualms going into the meeting on specific contract renewals. — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 The AfA has expressed qualms with the federal government’s attempts to cut flights on multiple occasions since late 2025. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 June 2026 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. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026 While Emily would never pair a massive Balenciaga City Bag with brown suede sneakers, Collins had no such qualms with the look while traveling across Europe last summer. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for qualm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for qualm

Noun

Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie looked like Serie A regulars, Folarin Balogun’s finishing was on song and Gio Reyna put to rest any doubts about his selection by channelling his inner Luka Modric.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
As tech stocks waver on doubts the AI boom will prove sustainable, India is emerging as a safe haven for global investors looking to hedge their bets and weather the volatility, Bloomberg wrote.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of doubt

Noun

For individuals 18 and older, courts generally must approve a qualifying name change within six weeks without holding a hearing or allowing formal objections.

— Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Much of the objection to using the term comes from Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefires.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Definition of objection

Noun

Sherriff, who debuted with the Cardinals in 2017, expressed regret at never pitching at Dodger Stadium, citing the cumulative toll of 13 years of uncertainty.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Using 10,000 rocks, more than seventy-five 80-pound bags of concrete, and over $1,000 in supplies, Ruggie has no regrets about his 14-foot deck burned in a shou sugi ban style.

— Barbara Bellesi Zito, The Spruce, 1 July 2026

Definition of regret

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“Qualm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/qualm. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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