Synonym Chooser

How does the noun disrepute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disrepute are disgrace, dishonor, ignominy, and infamy. While all these words mean "the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach," disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation.

a once proud name fallen into disrepute

When would disgrace be a good substitute for disrepute?

The synonyms disgrace and disrepute are sometimes interchangeable, but disgrace often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism.

sent home in disgrace

When could dishonor be used to replace disrepute?

The words dishonor and disrepute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dishonor emphasizes the loss of honor that one has enjoyed or the loss of self-esteem.

preferred death to life with dishonor

Where would ignominy be a reasonable alternative to disrepute?

In some situations, the words ignominy and disrepute are roughly equivalent. However, ignominy stresses humiliation.

the ignominy of being arrested

When is it sensible to use infamy instead of disrepute?

Although the words infamy and disrepute have much in common, 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 disrepute The board also found Proctor had created the appearance of bias in his dealings with a homicide suspect, and/or brought himself and the agency into disrepute. Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 2 June 2025 But lately the concept has fallen into disrepute, blamed for battering American industries, destroying jobs and desolating once-prosperous regions. Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025 The effort kicked off last summer, when 74 fellows (out of roughly 1,600) sent a letter to the Royal Society’s leadership, reportedly out of concern that Musk’s X posts were fomenting racial violence in the United Kingdom and could therefore bring the institution into disrepute. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025 As liberation turned into occupation and counterinsurgency, the United States and its power were thrown into disrepute. Melvyn P. Leffler, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2011 See All Example Sentences for disrepute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disrepute
Noun
  • Amid her disgrace, Baldwin somewhat retreated from social media and from constantly posting images of her seven children, which critics found exploitative.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • This person has brought shame and disgrace to the badge and to an honorable profession.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • What a shame Dennis Gimball won’t be alive to run on it.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Which is a shame, as Denver had veteran hands on-side.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disrepute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disrepute. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disrepute

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