infamy

noun

in·fa·my | \ˈin-fə-mē

plural infamies

Definition of infamy

1 : evil reputation brought about by something grossly criminal, shocking, or brutal

2a : an extreme and publicly known criminal or evil act

b : the state of being infamous

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about infamy

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Choose the Right Synonym for infamy

disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, infamy, ignominy mean the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach. disgrace often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism. sent home in disgrace dishonor emphasizes the loss of honor that one has enjoyed or the loss of self-esteem. preferred death to life with dishonor disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation. a once proud name fallen into disrepute infamy usually implies notoriety as well as exceeding shame. a day that lives in infamy ignominy stresses humiliation. the ignominy of being arrested

Examples of infamy in a Sentence

He never escaped the infamy his crimes had earned him. despite her eventual pardons, she could never completely free herself of the infamy of being named a war criminal

Recent Examples on the Web

When She Threw Jughead That Surprise Party Betty’s (accidental) wild surprise birthday party for Jughead will live in infamy in the world of Riverdale. — Jessica Macleish, Teen Vogue, "Lili Reinhart's Best 9 Moments as Betty Cooper on Riverdale," 13 Sep. 2018 In the postwar years, Korematsu v. United States sank into infamy as an unjustifiable suspension of rights and condoning of racial mistreatment. — Jacob Gershman, WSJ, "Court Upholds Travel Ban, but Slams Infamous Case on Japanese Internment Camps," 26 June 2018 The Mets are paying the minimum salary for Gonzalez, a first baseman, instead of bidding for Eric Hosmer, the Keith Hernandez clone who slid his way into Flushing infamy by helping the Kansas City Royals win the 2015 World Series. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, "Big Benefit for the Opportunistic Mets: Their Division Looks Weak," 21 Feb. 2018 His infamy has increased since then following appearances in several television shows and co-writing books recounting his past and rise as a criminal in the tough suburbs of Paris. — Reuters, Washington Post, "An infamous French gangster is on the run after escaping prison in a helicopter," 1 July 2018 On one side, there have been guys like Jalen Rose and Samaki Walker, whose draft-night suits continue to live in infamy two decades later. — Aj Neuharth-keusch, USA TODAY, "Marvin Bagley III, Trae Young headline 2018 NBA draft's best, worst outfits," 21 June 2018 The members of the 2013 Louisville men's basketball team were there to honor a season that has taken on an air of infamy in the public eye. — Danielle Lerner, The Courier-Journal, "2013 U of L players are proud of championship even if banner is gone," 30 June 2018 Clayton Richard no-hit the Marlins through the first 6 2/3 innings, but Miguel Rojas’ single saved Miami from infamy. — Matthew Defranks, Sun-Sentinel.com, "A Closer Look: San Diego Padres 3, Miami Marlins 1," 10 June 2018 Smith offered two different explanations for his blunder, neither of which will save him from basketball infamy. — Ben Golliver, SI.com, "Anatomy of a Blunder: Inside J.R. Smith's Devastating Game 1 Mistake," 1 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infamy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.