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

Examples 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 Atlanta pitchers allowed a season-high 20 hits Thursday and at least 16 hits in all three games, the first time that’s happened to the Braves in 90 years, since the 1934 Boston Braves endured the ignominy. David O'Brien, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024 But ignominy was the best place for Ilyin to hang his historical hat. Anton Barbashin, Foreign Affairs, 20 Sep. 2015 The victory helped the Angels avoid the ignominy of losing consecutive games to a White Sox team that has now lost 116 games, steaming toward the major league record of 120. Jeff Fletcher, Orange County Register, 17 Sep. 2024 Most of how it’s made is perfectly in step with the darlings of the cocktail world—Chartreuse, Bénédictine, Fernet Branca—except only Jägermeister is singled out for ignominy. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ignominy 

Thesaurus Entries Near ignominy

Cite this Entry

“Ignominy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignominy. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ignominy

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