demured
Raised mild objection
Demured is the past tense of demur, meaning to raise objections or express reluctance: She demured when asked to speak first.
The word suggests polite hesitation rather than outright refusal.
Not to be confused with demure, an adjective meaning modest or reserved in manner.
Expressed strong disagreement
- dissentedFormally opposed prevailing opinion
- disagreedHeld a contrary opinion
- resistedRefused to yield
- refusedDeclined to accept
declined · balked · opposed · contested · challenged · excepted · questioned · disputed
Not firmly known
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- reluctantUnwilling to act
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
doubtful · vacillating · ambivalent · faltering · apprehensive · noncommittal · halting · diffident
Unassuming about oneself
- unassumingNot making claims
- decorousSocially appropriate, dignified
- properSocially appropriate
- chasteAbstaining from sexual activity
virtuous · restrained · understated · tasteful · subdued · gentle · meek · retiring
Disinclined to speak freely
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
- restrainedHeld under control
- guardedWary and restrained
discreet · withdrawn · quiet · private · undemonstrative · self-contained · introverted · uncommunicative
protested
Expressed strong disagreement
- dissentedFormally opposed prevailing opinion
- disagreedHeld a contrary opinion
- resistedRefused to yield
refused · declined · balked · opposed · contested · challenged · excepted · questioned · disputed · remonstrated
uncertain
Not firmly known
cautious · doubtful · vacillating · ambivalent · faltering · apprehensive · noncommittal · halting · diffident · balked
humble
Unassuming about oneself
- unassumingNot making claims
- decorousSocially appropriate, dignified
- properSocially appropriate
chaste · virtuous · restrained · understated · tasteful · subdued · gentle · meek · retiring · unpretentious
reticent
Disinclined to speak freely
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
- restrainedHeld under control
guarded · discreet · withdrawn · quiet · private · undemonstrative · self-contained · introverted · uncommunicative · standoffish