Synonym Chooser

How does the noun infamy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of infamy are disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, and ignominy. While all these words mean "the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach," infamy usually implies notoriety as well as exceeding shame.

a day that lives in infamy

When can disgrace be used instead of infamy?

The words disgrace and infamy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disgrace often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism.

sent home in disgrace

In what contexts can dishonor take the place of infamy?

In some situations, the words dishonor and infamy 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

When is it sensible to use disrepute instead of infamy?

Although the words disrepute and infamy have much in common, disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation.

a once proud name fallen into disrepute

When would ignominy be a good substitute for infamy?

The words ignominy and infamy can be used in similar contexts, but ignominy stresses humiliation.

the ignominy of being arrested

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 infamy That means Colorado officially dodged baseball infamy. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2025 That event gained infamy for numerous technical glitches and a main event called rigged by many fans, including some sports and Hollywood heavyweights. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 15 Sep. 2025 There is also a desire for infamy and to have their names and faces splashed across the internet and newspapers for a spurt of violence. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025 But authorities have not been able to draw a clear link, instead emphasizing the assailant’s desire for infamy and fixation on other mass shootings. Ernesto Londoño, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infamy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infamy
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

“Infamy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infamy. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on infamy

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