MORTIFICATION Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

mortification

noun

ˌmȯr-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən

Definition of mortification

as in embarrassment

the emotional state of being made self-consciously uncomfortable the mortification of being dumped the night before the prom

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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 mortification Monica’s mortification that summer of ’98 forms the backbone of Julia Langbein’s latest novel Dear Monica Lewinsky, out this month from Doubleday. — Lilyanna D'amato, ARTnews.com, 26 Apr. 2026 Springsteen’s reaction was a mix of mortification and bemusement. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 2 Apr. 2026 The comments section features a piquant blend of solemnity, mortification, tastelessness, and transphobia, which accords with Moreschi’s reception in his lifetime. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 As if unable to resist her own mortification, Leonora asks if the bed is comfortable. — Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mortification

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mortification

Noun

There was once an NFL team with an embarrassment of talent amassed on its roster.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Lining the approach to the gate, there was an embarrassment of new undergarments, towering piles of briefs and T-shirts.

— Devin Friedman, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

How much does nothing weigh, when the nothing is filled with longing, curiosity, confusion, discomfort, and grief?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Without that discipline, organizations may end up creating more dashboards while preserving the same confusion.

— Suresh Rajapakse, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of confusion

Noun

And Harvey faces his overbearing father’s disappointment most glaringly with the public humiliation of an emotional breakdown while taking part in an amateur wrestling match the bodybuilder entered to prove his physical strength.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
Lance Oppenheim’s new film, Primetime, returns to Chris Hansen and To Catch a Predator, a television format that made public humiliation feel like a public service.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of humiliation

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morticians

mortification

mortifications

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“Mortification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mortification. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of mortification

noun

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