Synonyms of dishonor

dishonor 1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)dis-ˈä-nər 

1

as in disgrace

the state of having lost the esteem of others

a person of integrity who would prefer death to dishonor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disgrace
• shame
• contempt
• humiliation
• infamy
• ignominy
• discredit
• disrepute
• disdain
• reproach
• odium
• stigma
• obloquy
• opprobrium
• disesteem
• scandal
• taint
• disapproval
• scorn
• degradation
• stain
• disapprobation
• debasement
• despite
• abasement
• dust
• blot
• deprecation
• disfavor
• brand
• debasing
• slur
• humbling
• smirch
• shadow
• spot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• honor
• esteem
• regard
• fear
• appreciation
• admiration
• estimation
• glory
• reverence
• fame
• awe
• repute
• renown

2

as in scandal

a cause of shame

your expulsion from the military academy for cheating is a dishonor to this family

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disgrace
• scandal
• reflection
• stain
• reproach
• opprobrium
• stigma
• taint
• blot
• slur
• brand
• smirch
• spot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• honor
• credit
• pride
• glory
• treasure
• boast
• jewel

dishonor

2 of 2

verb

as in to humiliate

to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes

dishonored herself by fixing the results of her medical research

Synonyms & Similar Words

• humiliate
• discredit
• shame
• disgrace
• embarrass
• humble
• degrade
• insult
• demean
• confuse
• debase
• cheapen
• abase
• chasten
• rattle
• take down
• criticize
• foul
• lower
• smirch
• diminish
• sink
• minimize
• ridicule
• mortify
• disparage
• belittle
• detract
• slander
• libel
• condemn
• defame
• disconcert
• discountenance
• decry
• affront
• defile
• discount
• depreciate
• confound
• malign
• faze
• write off
• denounce
• discomfit
• castigate
• fluster
• abash
• censure
• put down
• bad-mouth
• cry down
• nonplus
• damn
• execrate
• reprehend
• reprobate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• honor
• exalt
• elevate
• celebrate
• recognize
• commend
• salute
• acknowledge
• aggrandize
• congratulate
• praise
• deify
• applaud
• cite
• boast
• cheer
• canonize
• compliment
• decorate
• laud
• hail
• eulogize
• extol
• acclaim
• tout
• highlight
• fete
• glorify
• dignify
• promote
• play up
• spotlight
• ennoble
• magnify
• enshrine
• advance
• raise
• enthrone
• upgrade
• lift
• uplift
• boost
• idealize
• romanticize
• ensky

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

Recent Examples of dishonor

Noun

Indeed, war and waste seem the ideal subjects of national service; the first because of the special risks involved, the second because of the dishonor. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026

Intimidation, fear, and dishonor are the driving forces behind enforcing omertà; violation of the code is inevitably punishable by death. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026

Verb

The problem of Black student academic malaise is not due to any lack of government funding, but rather a cultural malady that dishonors academic excellence and places ball-chasing above scholastic accomplishment. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 21 May 2026

Ella Baker, Septima Clark, these are extraordinary women who today the Supreme Court has dishonored their legacy and their sacrifices. — NBC news, 10 May 2026