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
To remove the web page of a Medal of Honor recipient, in this case awarded by President Nixon, dishonors all the military and their families. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 19 Mar. 2025 When a person dishonors their family by engaging in harmful habits, they’re often disregarded and sometimes kicked out. Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dishonor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dishonor
Noun
  • Alfie’s liberation doesn’t go well for him, but his public disgrace can’t undo the goodwill he’s established through his championing of art.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
  • Kim Soo-hyun is now weathering his own public disgrace.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • This trend, driven in part by past corporate scandals, highlights the importance of aligning business practices with core values.
    Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Related Articles 1919 Black Sox: What to know about the World Series scandal, ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson and more Cincinnati Reds will pay tribute to Pete Rose a day after he was posthumously reinstated by MLB Column: Pete Rose will likely end up in the Hall of Fame now.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The writer-director’s smartest move is never to deny Colin his dignity, even when he’s humiliated for disappointing Ray or getting vigorously plowed on a table.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
  • But who among us has not had a little marital spat over one person buying an entire hospital just to humiliate the other?
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Not only was this request rejected, but on each occasion that Lee privately visited the police, the media was tipped off in advance, forcing the actor to take a walk of shame past a sea of reporters and cameras ready and poised at the station’s entrance — further feeding the media frenzy.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
  • But how does an actor expose himself to pain and suffering — and shame?
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • The attempts to discredit women like Ventura discount the reality of their lives, Gee said.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
  • But in a possible attempt to discredit Pryor, her name and some details of her confidential complaint, available only to the mayor, commissioners and senior city employees, have been circulated publicly.
    Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Johnson’s predecessor, Larry Robinson, resigned last year amid fallout from a fake $237 million donation scandal that embarrassed the school on the national stage.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
  • What’s made the 18th so fun this week is its ability — even for just a second — to embarrass the best golfers on the planet.
    Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dishonor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dishonor. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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