Synonyms for compunction
Most common
All synonyms
Noun
1. Remorse
remorse, regret, contrition, qualm, self-reproach, penitence, repentance, attrition, sorrow, ruth dated, rue dated
Other
Definitions
- n. 1
A pricking of conscience or a feeling of regret, especially one which is slight or fleeting.
Forms
- Plural
- compunctions → remorses, regrets, contritions, qualms…
Choose the right word
Compunction is a momentary sting of conscience, in view either of a past or of a contemplated act.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- regret A time will come when you will regret your action.
- remorse He has shown remorse for the unfortunate incident.
- contrition I have come to you in great contrition to atone for my sin.
- qualm He did not have any qualm of conscience.
- conscience If I don't donate, it will weigh on my conscience.
- misgiving Tom's misgiving has come true.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| compunction | rising | |
| regret | steady | |
| remorse | rising | |
| contrition | rising | |
| qualm | rising | |
| conscience | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- rue1
- 4 letters
- ruth1
- 5 letters
- qualm
- 6 letters
- regret2, sorrow2
- 7 letters
- remorse2
- 9 letters
- attrition3, penitence, misgiving3
- 10 letters
- conscience2, repentance3, contrition3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (regret2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- componction
- Español
- compunción
- Deutsch
- Zerknirschung