Meaning & use
scruples
Feelings of doubt or hesitation about whether an action is morally right, that hold someone back from doing it.
See it in a sentence
The lawyer had no scruples about using questionable tactics to win the case.
Her scruples wouldn't allow her to lie, even to protect a friend.
A note on using this word
Almost always used in the plural, and frequently in negative constructions like "no scruples" or "without scruples."
Words with a similar meaning
qualmsmisgivings
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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