demurring
Voicing polite disagreement
Demurring is raising objections or expressing reluctance, often politely or hesitantly.
Someone demurring doesn't flatly refuse but holds back, voices reservations, or declines to go along: She demurred when asked to take on more responsibility.
The word carries a note of mild, courteous resistance rather than outright refusal.
Public expression of disapproval
- dissentDisagreement with authority
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- refusalAct of declining
- oppositionActive resistance or dissent
disagreement · exception · challenge · reluctance · resistance · qualm · scruple · reservation
Unwilling to act
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- uncertainNot firmly known
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
- indecisiveUnable to make choices
vacillating · doubtful · cautious · ambivalent · faltering · equivocal · unsure · skeptical
Downplaying one's own importance
- unassumingNot making claims
- bashfulUncomfortably self-conscious
- retiringLeaving the workforce
- reservedRestrained in manner
demure · coy · diffident · reticent · self-deprecating · understated · unpretentious · humble
protest
Public expression of disapproval
opposition · disagreement · exception · challenge · reluctance · resistance · qualm · scruple · reservation · hesitation
reluctant
Unwilling to act
indecisive · vacillating · doubtful · cautious · ambivalent · faltering · equivocal · unsure · skeptical · apprehensive
self-effacing
Downplaying one's own importance
- unassumingNot making claims
- bashfulUncomfortably self-conscious
- retiringLeaving the workforce
reserved · demure · coy · diffident · reticent · self-deprecating · understated · unpretentious · humble · unassertive
- stallingstall, stalling, delay, hesitate, procrastinate
demurringagreeing
Sharing the same view
accepting · consenting · assenting · acquiescing · approving
demurringembracing
Holding warmly, willingly accepting
welcoming · desirous · eager · enthusiastic · jumping at