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

My guess is the players might work a little harder to entertain the fans instead of turning what should have been a showcase event into the embarrassment that was this year’s All-Star Weekend.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
And with many of these videos racking up millions of views, the ensuing embarrassment for the unwitting subjects can be palpable.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

Trouble with the way samples are handled or the presence of other medical conditions such as kidney problems or viral illnesses can also lead to confusion with interpreting the results.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Over the past week and a half, Wattpad users across social media have expressed varying degrees of confusion and outrage over their belief that the fanfiction site has introduced restrictive new rules.

— Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of confusion

Noun

This month, that disconnect became an electoral humiliation for Republican leaders.

— Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 21 Aug. 2026
The season’s final humiliation was losing a Copa del Rey final to neighbours Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu, with both Mourinho and Ronaldo red-carded.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of humiliation

Browse Nearby Words

morticians

mortification

mortifications

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“Mortification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mortification. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of mortification

noun

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