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

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 demur
Verb
Theo challenging [Barkley] to a race in the Rose Garden after my father wisely demurred! Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Marocco initially demurred, an official said, before finally acknowledging the gathering. Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 16 Feb. 2025 Those interviews were a rich well for Democratic lawmakers, as Patel continually dodged and demurred while responding to his past remarks. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 30 Jan. 2025 Asked if Tobias should have moved out of the way, given how slowly the collision developed, Arniel demurred. Murat Ates, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for demur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demur
Noun
  • And an attorney representing local developers cited the law in objection to the county’s move to prevent thousands of new homes from being built beyond the county’s development boundary.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
  • The defense objected to the response, and the judge sustained the objection, meaning the jury cannot consider his response as evidence.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • If the employer objects, courts would be required to issue an injunction to legally bar the employee from working.
    Sam Peak, Sun Sentinel, 1 June 2025
  • Reese objected to Clark’s rough penalty, aggressively responded after the play, and verbally lashed out at the Fever’s star player.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • This requirement effectively limits poll worker eligibility to U.S. citizens and excludes most noncitizens, with a few exceptions, such as high school students serving as student poll workers under supervision.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • This law has been in place since 2014 and applies statewide, with exceptions for roles where background checks are mandated by statute.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Dozens of students protested the changes, which were announced in a Feb. 5 email to Grace Pearson residents.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
  • Over 40% of homeowners across the U.S. could potentially save $100 or more per year by protesting their assessment value, with median savings of $539 a year, per Realtor.com estimates.
    Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • According to the mother's complaint, Sekulow and his son did not want to be associated with hiring a gay man at their organization the American Center for Law and Justice, Inc (ACLJ).
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • The report echoes complaints shared throughout the industry, including by the world’s largest European soccer streamer, DAZN.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • The firing after a nearly 30-year run appeared to surprise Starkey, after reports that Daltrey was not happy with the drummer’s performance at a March Royal Albert Hall gig, complaining from stage that Starkey’s loud playing was throwing him off.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 27 May 2025
  • Many complain about a lack of tort reform, unrestricted attorney advertising or litigation funding, all of which contribute significantly to the scam.
    Robert Tyson, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Demur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demur. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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