qualm

Definition of qualm

a feeling of apprehension or doubt

Synonyms for qualm

• misgiving
• reservation
• hesitation

qualm in a Sentence

1. She had no qualms about borrowing the dress without asking.

Why qualm Matters for GRE & SAT

"qualm" is a noun that means "a feeling of apprehension or doubt" closely related to words like "misgiving", "reservation", "hesitation". As a word starting with Q, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "qualm" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "qualm" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (noun). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "qualm" into long-term memory.

How to Remember qualm

One effective way to remember "qualm" (noun) is to group it with similar words you already know: "misgiving" and "reservation" and "hesitation". When you encounter "qualm" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "a feeling of apprehension or doubt".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "qualm" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

Related Words

• Querulous — Complaining in a whiny or petulant manner.
• qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something
• quandary — a dilemma; a difficult decision or situation
• quantitative — Relating to or measured by the quantity of something
• quarantine — place into isolation to prevent the spread of any contagious disease

More Vocabulary Words Starting with Q

• Querulous — Complaining in a whiny or petulant manner.
• qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something
• qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something rather than its quantity
• qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something rather than its quantity
• qualm — a feeling of apprehension or doubt
• quandary — a dilemma; a difficult decision or situation
• quandary — a dilemma; a difficult decision or situation
• quantitative — Relating to or measured by the quantity of something
• quantitative — Relating to, measuring, or measured by quantity
• quarantine — place into isolation to prevent the spread of any contagious disease