Synonyms for qualm
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Misgiving
misgiving, scruple, compunction, uneasiness, unease, apprehension
2. Squeamishness
Other
Definitions
- n. 1
A feeling of apprehension, doubt, fear etc.
- n. 2
A sudden sickly feeling; queasiness.
Related words
- Word family
- qualmish qualmishness
Forms
- Plural
- qualms → misgivings, scruples, compunctions, uneasinesses…
Example sentences
- uneasiness He took a deep breath and tried to put his uneasiness to rest.
- compunction Tom has no compunction about engaging in usury.
- scruple No scruple held him back from making this attempt.
- misgiving Tom's misgiving has come true.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| qualm | rising | |
| uneasiness | steady | |
| compunction | rising | |
| scruple | steady | |
| misgiving | steady | |
| squeamishness | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- pang1
- 6 letters
- regret2, nausea3, unease2, twinge1
- 7 letters
- scruple2
- 9 letters
- penitence, misgiving3
- 10 letters
- conscience2, uneasiness4, queasiness3
- 11 letters
- compunction3
- 12 letters
- apprehension4
- 13 letters
- squeamishness3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (regret2 = 2 syllables).