Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun scruples

1 sense of scruples

Sense 1
conscience, scruples, moral sense, sense of right and wrong -- (motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions)
       => ethical motive, ethics, morals, morality -- (motivation based on ideas of right and wrong)

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun scruple

3 senses of scruple

Sense 1
scruple -- (a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains)
       => apothecaries' unit, apothecaries' weight -- (any weight unit used in pharmacy; an ounce is equal to 480 grains and a pound is equal to 12 ounces)

Sense 2
scruple, qualm, misgiving -- (uneasiness about the fitness of an action)
       => anxiety -- (a vague unpleasant emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some (usually ill-defined) misfortune)

Sense 3
scruple -- (an ethical or moral principle that inhibits action)
       => principle -- (a rule or standard especially of good behavior; "a man of principle"; "he will not violate his principles")

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb scruple

3 senses of scruple

Sense 1
scruple -- (hesitate on moral grounds; "The man scrupled to perjure himself")
       => hesitate, pause -- (interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing; "The speaker paused")

Sense 2
scruple -- (raise scruples; "He lied and did not even scruple about it")
       => fuss, niggle, fret -- (worry unnecessarily or excessively; "don't fuss too much over the grandchildren--they are quite big now")

Sense 3
scruple -- (have doubts about)
       => wonder, question -- (place in doubt or express doubtful speculation; "I wonder whether this was the right thing to do"; "she wondered whether it would snow tonight")