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Definitions

scruples

[skroo-puhlz] / ˈskru pəlz /
NOUN
conscience
Synonyms
STRONGEST
shame
STRONG
censor compunction demur duty morals principles qualms superego
WEAK
inner voice right and wrong small voice squeam still small voice
Antonyms
WEAK
immorality
NOUN
moral fiber
Synonyms
WEAK
fortitude good conscience honesty incorruptibility moral courage moral excellence moral rectitude moral virtue morality strongmindedness
NOUN
morals
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ethic integrity morality
STRONG
behavior beliefs conduct customs dogmas ethics habits ideals manners mores policies
Antonyms
STRONGEST
corruption dishonesty
WEAK
amorality disrespectability immorality indecency unethicalness
NOUN
principle/principles
Synonyms
WEAK
attitude character code conduct conscience credo ethic ethics faith ideals integrity opinion policy probity rectitude sense of duty sense of honor system teaching tenet uprightness
Antonyms
WEAK
immorality unethicalness
NOUN
values
Synonyms
STRONG
attitude beliefs character code conduct conscience ethics ideals integrity morals mores standards
WEAK
sense of duty sense of honor
Antonyms
STRONG
immorality

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Employees in these movies come to the conclusion their boss lacks scruples, boundaries or the qualifications to have the job.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025

Some may have otherwise been stolen by Western visitors with less scruples to be sold on the lucrative European and American artefacts market.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2024

Executives at established tech giants might have their own honest scruples about where all of this is heading.

From Slate • Nov. 27, 2023

“But despite the LSBA’s scruples, Boudreaux has still identified some examples of non-germane speech.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 15, 2023

“No, I haven’t. I won’t shape them from the air. I’ll form them out of real things. That should satisfy your scruples, Mandy dear.”

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine

Vocabulary lists containing scruples

"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell

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"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 19–24

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"The Palace Thief" by Ethan Canin

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!