HUMILIATING Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

humiliating 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of humiliating

as in demeaning

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Dissimilar Words

humiliating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of humiliate

as in discrediting

to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes the reigning tennis champ was humiliated on the court by a newcomer who defeated him in straight sets

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 humiliating

Adjective

But the 75-year-old has been starring in jaw-droppingly humiliating videos shared by his social media accounts. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026 Irina’s investigation results let her off the hook immediately, while Vika is forced into a humiliating apology. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 10 July 2026

Verb

State caseworkers have sent an untold number of elders in their care to a coterie of homes with a history of hurting, ignoring or humiliating their residents, records and anguished families say. — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026 These clips often use humor and pop‑culture aesthetics—even LEGO‑style animations—to show Iran’s late supreme leader outsmarting and humiliating his American adversaries. — Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for humiliating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for humiliating

Adjective

Some wives and girlfriends balk at the label, calling it demeaning shorthand that gives short shrift to a woman’s own worth.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
Some women who filed lawsuits against Ortega reported they had been confused about whether demeaning or uncomfortable actions the doctor engaged in during exams was within the bounds of necessary medical behavior.

— Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026

Definition of demeaning

Verb

Kiryl Pazniak, 49, who hosted a popular political show on YouTube, has been convicted on the charges of discrediting Belarus and forming an extremist organization, the group said — accusations widely used by authorities to stifle critical voices.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Defense attorney Tom Mesereau was an expert at discrediting witnesses, subjects told the filmmakers, but certain key witnesses, like Janet Arvizo, struggled to connect with the jury on their own.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026

Definition of discrediting

Adjective

Federal authorities have subjected record numbers of immigrants to mandatory detention, including in inhuman and degrading conditions, while gutting internal oversight mechanisms.

— Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Detainees recounted degrading and inhumane living conditions that included bathrooms covered in feces, flooded housing units and no access to soap or other basic hygiene supplies, according to the report.

— Michael Biesecker, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of degrading

Verb

Kyiv’s forces have targeted Russian oil facilities, causing fuel shortages and embarrassing President Vladimir Putin.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Benefield alleged her stepmother began isolating her from her father, blaming her for household conflicts, reading her private journal, publicly embarrassing her and seeking to push her out of the family dynamic.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of embarrassing

Verb

The public-shaming impulse has been, at times, a reaction to years of bad behavior—particularly among men accustomed to getting away with a lot and facing very few repercussions.

— Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Meanwhile parents aren’t necessarily dismissing or shaming the grandparents parenting style, just making different choices.

— Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 17 July 2026

Definition of shaming

Adjective

With his speech, Oliver joins a growing trend of professionals whose AI use is revealed in mortifying ways.

— Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026
Self-mortifying pamagdarame rituals, including whipping and crucifixion, likewise have roots in medieval Christian tradition.

— H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026

Definition of mortifying

Verb

Social media users have critiqued her body both when with and without child and have accused her of disgracing the image of Black women.

— Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 10 July 2026
Why are adults so comfortable publicly disgracing Black teenage girls going to their prom and being cruel toward strangers who are sometimes half their age?

— Essence, Essence, 11 May 2026

Definition of disgracing

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“Humiliating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humiliating. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of humiliating

adjective

verb

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