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

In this series, the two — who rose to fame as the hosts of What Not to Wear two decades ago — rewatch some of their favorite movies to break down the style choices that live in infamy. —Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026

That’s just one episode in this exhaustive five-hour docuseries, which covers Gacy’s early life through his death and infamy. —Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026

Adlon said believes her character sees an opportunity in this danger, despite Maul's infamy among the remaining Jedi. —Sean Keane, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026

Now conservatives are trying to create a familiar infamy for Smiley and other Democrats who got the mural taken down. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 Apr. 2026