demurred
Politely said no
Demurred is the past tense of demur, meaning to raise objections or express reluctance.
When someone demurs, they hesitate to accept or agree, often politely: She demurred when asked to take the lead role.
The word suggests mild resistance rather than outright refusal: He demurred at first but eventually agreed to help.
Expressed strong disagreement
- disagreedHeld a contrary opinion
- opposedAgainst something stated
- contestedArgued against, disputed
- challengedDisputed or questioned
declined · dissented · disputed · refused · balked · resisted · rebuffed · rejected
Set aside until later
- demurelyIn a reserved manner
- tactfullyWith careful discretion
- courteouslyWith good manners
- diplomaticallyWith political finesse
graciously · respectfully · deferentially · modestly · begged to differ · civilly · decorously
Paused from uncertainty
- waveredShowed unsteady resolve
- pausedStopped temporarily
- falteredLost momentum or confidence
- vacillatedChanged mind repeatedly
held back · hung back · stalled · dithered · equivocated · hedged · temporized · delayed
protested
Expressed strong disagreement
challenged · declined · dissented · disputed · refused · balked · resisted · rebuffed · rejected · countered
deferred
Set aside until later
- demurelyIn a reserved manner
- tactfullyWith careful discretion
- courteouslyWith good manners
diplomatically · graciously · respectfully · deferentially · modestly · begged to differ · civilly · decorously
hesitated
Paused from uncertainty
vacillated · held back · hung back · stalled · dithered · equivocated · hedged · temporized · delayed · procrastinated
exception
Deviation from standard
motion · filing · sustained · overruled · stipulation
demurredagreed
Shared the same view
accepted · consented · approved · assented · acquiesced
demurredembraced
Held someone warmly
jumped at · leaped at · welcomed · seized upon · volunteered