demurs
Voices mild protest
Demurs means raises objections or expresses reluctance.
When someone demurs, they hesitate to accept or agree, often politely: She demurs when asked to take credit for the team's work.
The word suggests gentle resistance rather than outright refusal—a diplomatic way of declining or expressing doubt.
Public expression of disapproval
- opposeAct against something
- challengeTest of ability
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- dissentDisagreement with authority
exception · disagree · contend · resist · contest · remonstrate · expostulate · take issue
Decrease or refuse
- refuseReject or garbage
- resistOppose or refuse compliance
- shy awayWithdraw from reluctantly
- shrinkDecrease in size
recoil · flinch · qualm · misgiving · reservation · unwillingness · disinclination · aversion
Expression of disapproval
- exceptionDeviation from standard
- pleaFormal request or defense
- motionChange in position
- challengeTest of ability
procedural · overrule · sustain · counsel · defense · filing · grounds · stipulation
Pause in uncertainty
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- waverHesitate or fluctuate
- falterLose momentum or steadiness
- vacillateWaver between choices
balk · hang back · hold back · delay · stall · dither · equivocate · hedge
protest
Public expression of disapproval
dissent · exception · disagree · contend · resist · contest · remonstrate · expostulate · take issue · push back
decline
Decrease or refuse
shrink · recoil · flinch · qualm · misgiving · reservation · unwillingness · disinclination · aversion · compunction
objection
Expression of disapproval
challenge · procedural · overrule · sustain · counsel · defense · filing · grounds · stipulation · contestation
hesitate
Pause in uncertainty
vacillate · balk · hang back · hold back · delay · stall · dither · equivocate · hedge · tarry
self-effacing
Downplaying one's own importance
- humbleUnassuming about oneself
- unassumingNot making claims
- modestLacking in pretension
diffident · reticent · retiring · reserved · understated · coy · bashful · demure · meek · timid