Demur — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /di-ˈmər/ de·mur

Meaning & Definition of Demur

Demur (verb)

  1. to take exception, object —often used with to or at
  2. to file a demurrer
  3. delay, hesitate

Demur (noun)

  1. the act or an instance of objecting, protest
  2. hesitation (as in doing or accepting) usually based on doubt of the acceptability of something offered or proposed

Demur (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent

    "we accepted his offer to pay for our dinners without demur"

    similar: challenge, complaint, demurral, demurrer, difficulty, exception, expostulation, fuss, kick, objection, protest, question, remonstrance, stink
    related: compunction, doubt, misgiving, qualm, scruple, misunderstanding, cavil, niggle (chiefly British), quibble, argument, conflict, debate, dispute, dissent, hassle, quarrel, squabble, static, censure, criticism, defiance, disobedience, rebellion, distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, dubitation (archaic), incertitude, indetermination, misdoubt, mistrust, mistrustfulness, reservation, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty, qualmishness, unease, uneasiness, reluctance, unwillingness
    near: willingness, approval, sanction, acceptance, acquiescence, agreement, assent, compliance, obedience

Demur (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to present an opposing opinion or argument

    "don't hesitate to demur to the idea if you have any qualms"

    similar: except, expostulate, kick, object, protest, remonstrate (with), take exception, take issue
    related: cavil, quibble, challenge, dare, defy, fight, conflict, debate, dispute, hassle, quarrel, squabble, wrangle, beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, keen, maunder (chiefly British), moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge (British), yammer, yawp, yowl, balk, gag, stick, censure, criticize, denounce, disobey, rebel, withstand, demonstrate
    near: approve, sanction, accept, accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, adhere, comply, conform, follow, mind, obey, observe, advocate, champion, defend, maintain, support, sustain, uphold, applaud, cheer, commend

Related Entry: Demur (to) (verb)

Demur (to) is a different word from Demur. The synonyms below are for demur (to), not for demur.

  1. as in object (to)

    similar: object (to), balk (at), decline, pass up, refuse, reject, spurn, throw over, turn down
    opposite: drink (in), eat (up), embrace, lap (up), welcome, adopt, espouse, take up, greet, hail

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Demur

The most common words with a similar meaning to Demur:

challenge, complaint, demurral, demurrer, difficulty, exception, expostulation, fuss, kick, objection, protest, question, remonstrance, stink, except, expostulate, object, remonstrate (with), take exception, take issue

Related Words for Demur

compunction, doubt, misgiving, qualm, scruple, misunderstanding, cavil, niggle, quibble, argument, conflict, debate, dispute, dissent, hassle, quarrel, squabble, static, censure, criticism, defiance, disobedience, rebellion, distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, dubitation, incertitude, indetermination, misdoubt

Near Antonyms of Demur

willingness, approval, sanction, acceptance, acquiescence, agreement, assent, compliance, obedience, approve, accept, accede, acquiesce, agree, adhere, comply, conform, follow, mind, obey, observe, advocate, champion, defend, maintain, support, sustain, uphold, applaud, cheer

Word Forms of Demur

Inflections: demurred, demurring

Origin & Etymology of Demur

Middle English demuren, demeren to linger, from Anglo-French demurer, demoerer, from Latin demorari, from de- + morari to linger, from mora delay mora

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Demur

Frequently Asked Questions about Demur

What does "Demur" mean?

"Demur" means to take exception, object —often used with to or at. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to take exception, object —often used with to or at. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Demur"?

Other words for "Demur" include challenge, complaint, demurral, demurrer, difficulty, exception, expostulation and fuss. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Demur" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Demur"?

There are 108 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Demur". Common alternatives include challenge, complaint, demurral, demurrer, difficulty, exception, expostulation, fuss, kick and objection.

How do you use "Demur" in a sentence?

Examples of "Demur" in a sentence: "we accepted his offer to pay for our dinners without demur"; "don't hesitate to demur to the idea if you have any qualms".

Is "Demur" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Demur" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Demur" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Demur" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Demur"?

"Demur" is pronounced /di-ˈmər/ and divided into syllables as de·mur.

What is the origin of the word "Demur"?

"Demur" comes from Middle English demuren, demeren to linger, from Anglo-French demurer, demoerer, from Latin demorari, from de- + morari to linger, from mora delay mora. First known use: 13th century.