dishonor 1 of 2

dishonor

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun dishonor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dishonor are disgrace, disrepute, ignominy, and infamy. While all these words mean "the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach," dishonor emphasizes the loss of honor that one has enjoyed or the loss of self-esteem.

preferred death to life with dishonor

In what contexts can disgrace take the place of dishonor?

While the synonyms disgrace and dishonor are close in meaning, disgrace often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism.

sent home in disgrace

When would disrepute be a good substitute for dishonor?

The words disrepute and dishonor can be used in similar contexts, but disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation.

a once proud name fallen into disrepute

Where would ignominy be a reasonable alternative to dishonor?

The meanings of ignominy and dishonor largely overlap; however, ignominy stresses humiliation.

the ignominy of being arrested

When can infamy be used instead of dishonor?

While in some cases nearly identical to dishonor, 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 dishonor
Noun
Macbeth’s themes of deceit and dishonor sit squarely within the director's filmography while also crafting one of the most atmospheric and affecting Shakespeare works to date. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2024 For some families, failing to provide an elaborate wedding can lead to dishonor or even death. Ira Trivedi, Foreign Affairs, 22 May 2015
Verb
In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Lightfoot accused Trump of dishonoring Floyd’s memory after the president suggested those protesting his death should be shot. Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025 The second believed the United States could attain comprehensive security through military-technological means and saw diplomacy as a quixotic or pusillanimous enterprise that dishonored and weakened the country. A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dishonor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dishonor
Noun
  • Deemed dangerous to national security by MI5, Mosley and his wife spent three years interned in prison before moving abroad in disgrace.
    Rosemary Counter, Time, 25 June 2025
  • Cuomo launched his campaign in March, four years after resigning as New York's governor in disgrace.
    Kyler Alvord, People.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • In 2019, Kansas announced an extension of its adidas contract through 2031 even though the school and company were embroiled in the college basketball FBI scandal that saw a former adidas executive agree to pay nearly $350,000 to Kansas.
    Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • But with Victoria’s Secret, Super inherited a beleaguered brand stained by upheaval and scandal.
    Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Miller sought to shield these women, her suit said, and as a result she was humiliated, harassed and ultimately forced out of her job by Spitzer and Nelson.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 20 June 2025
  • As Howard begins to humiliate Matt, the camera follows all angles of the table, making sure to showcase everyone’s reactions.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • His parents, Polish immigrants who fled German conquest and discrimination, took Indian land—and felt shame over doing so, having been uprooted themselves.
    Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025
  • Their cruelty is wielded without shame or restraint.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • That terrifying consequence alone is sufficient to discredit the executive order.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025
  • And for that, I was met with silence, deflection, and efforts to discredit me.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • And best of all, no one could possibly be embarrassed by these empathetic words.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
  • Mavericks 4-2 over Heat (2011): Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs absolutely embarrassed the Heatles.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dishonor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dishonor. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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