General:
* Twinge: This implies a sudden, sharp feeling of guilt or regret.
* Prick: Similar to "twinge," but emphasizing a sharp, brief sensation.
* Stirrings: Suggests a sense of unease or guilt that is just beginning to emerge.
* Misgiving: Indicates a feeling of doubt or apprehension, often based on a sense of wrong-doing.
* Unease: A general feeling of discomfort or anxiety, often linked to guilt.
More specific:
* Remorse: A strong feeling of regret or guilt.
* Shame: A feeling of humiliation or embarrassment, often tied to moral failing.
* Pangs: A sharp, sudden feeling of regret or sorrow.
* Scruple: A moral or ethical consideration that causes hesitation or doubt.
Figurative:
* A whisper of guilt: This is a poetic way to describe a subtle sense of conscience.
* A shadow of doubt: This suggests a lingering sense of uncertainty or guilt.
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the emotion you want to emphasize.