Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ignominy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ignominy are disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, and infamy. While all these words mean "the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach," ignominy stresses humiliation.

the ignominy of being arrested

When can disgrace be used instead of ignominy?

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

sent home in disgrace

In what contexts can dishonor take the place of ignominy?

In some situations, the words dishonor and ignominy are roughly equivalent. However, dishonor emphasizes the loss of honor that one has enjoyed or the loss of self-esteem.

preferred death to life with dishonor

Where would disrepute be a reasonable alternative to ignominy?

The meanings of disrepute and ignominy largely overlap; however, disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation.

a once proud name fallen into disrepute

When might infamy be a better fit than ignominy?

Although the words infamy and ignominy 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 ignominy Almost all of the same four-digit numerical combinations assigned to the Mavericks at No. 11 would have been the Heat’s lottery tickets had the Heat not instead gone on to endure the ignominy of the most lopsided playoff sweep in NBA history at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025 The stakes were high — glory for the winners and a dreadful season at least ends with a very notable trophy and a Champions League place, ignominy for the losers; a worst season in living memory, no solace, no silver lining, just humiliation. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 22 May 2025 Can the Leafs avoid the ignominy that would come with blowing a 3-0 series lead? James Mirtle, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Dutton also faces the potential ignominy of losing his own seat in parliament, as happened to Canadian Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre. Hilary Whiteman and Angus Watson, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ignominy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignominy
Noun
  • Cuomo launched his campaign in March, four years after resigning as New York's governor in disgrace.
    Kyler Alvord, People.com, 25 June 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Their cruelty is wielded without shame or restraint.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ignominy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignominy. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ignominy

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