Synonyms of infamy

infamy

noun

ˈin-fə-mē 

as in disgrace

the state of having lost the esteem of others

despite her eventual pardons, she could never completely free herself of the infamy of being named a war criminal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disgrace
• shame
• ignominy
• humiliation
• contempt
• disrepute
• odium
• dishonor
• opprobrium
• obloquy
• stigma
• disdain
• discredit
• reproach
• scandal
• disesteem
• disapproval
• taint
• scorn
• stain
• degradation
• disapprobation
• despite
• dust
• abasement
• debasement
• blot
• brand
• deprecation
• disfavor
• slur
• debasing
• shadow
• smirch
• spot
• humbling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• honor
• esteem
• regard
• admiration
• fear
• appreciation
• estimation
• fame
• glory
• reverence
• awe
• renown
• repute

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

Recent Examples of infamy

The controversial makeover gained further infamy because in Cycle 15, Banks had a different model’s gap widened. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026

But this one, just yards from where the Super Bowl will kick off Sunday, has taken on a particular level of infamy. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026

Then there is the tale of the 2024 champion Celtics, whose foundation was laid 11 years prior with a trade that will forever live in NBA infamy. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026

The memorial page posted by UC Berkeley after Duesberg’s death walked a tightrope in acknowledging his descent into infamy. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026