verb

raise objections or show reluctance.

normally she would have accepted the challenge, but she demurred

raise objections,object,take exception,take issue,protest,lodge a protest,cavil,dissent,raise doubts,express doubt,express reluctance,express reservations,express misgivings,be unwilling,be reluctant,balk,hesitate,think twice,hang back,drag one’s heels,refuse,be cagey,boggle,kick up a fuss,kick up a stink

noun

the action of objecting to or hesitating over something.

they accepted this ruling without demur

objection,protest,protestation,complaint,dispute,dissent,carping,cavilling,recalcitrance,opposition,resistance,reservation,hesitation,reluctance,unwillingness,disinclination,lack of enthusiasm,doubts,qualms,misgivings,second thoughts,a murmur,a peep,a word,a sound,niggling,griping,grousing,boggling,demurrers,demurral