Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ignominy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ignominy are disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, and infamy. While all these words mean "the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach," ignominy stresses humiliation.

the ignominy of being arrested

When can disgrace be used instead of ignominy?

The synonyms disgrace and ignominy are sometimes interchangeable, but disgrace often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism.

sent home in disgrace

In what contexts can dishonor take the place of ignominy?

In some situations, the words dishonor and ignominy are roughly equivalent. However, dishonor emphasizes the loss of honor that one has enjoyed or the loss of self-esteem.

preferred death to life with dishonor

Where would disrepute be a reasonable alternative to ignominy?

The meanings of disrepute and ignominy largely overlap; however, disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation.

a once proud name fallen into disrepute

When might infamy be a better fit than ignominy?

Although the words infamy and ignominy have much in common, infamy usually implies notoriety as well as exceeding shame.

a day that lives in infamy

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ignominy The hope was that the trio could usher in a new phase for the reality universe, to move forward after the ignominy of its creator’s sudden exit. Peter White, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025 With four more wins, the Wizards can at least avoid the ignominy of the 9-73 Philadelphia team of 1972-73 or the 7-59 Charlotte team of 2011-12. John Hollinger, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 Lopetegui walked straight down the tunnel after the ignominy of another heavy loss. Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 Both presidents struggled to overcome economic headwinds and suffered the ignominy of being one-term presidents. Colin Meyn, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ignominy

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Cite this Entry

“Ignominy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignominy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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