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

Just not being an embarrassment will go a long way for Giants fans.

— Adam Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, a major reboot out of Canton as Hall of Fame reduces its voting body from 50 to 25 in wake of last year’s embarrassment when all-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick stunningly did not get in on first ballot.

— Greg Cote September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

The third round of Premier League matches brought yet more controversy, including an unpunished kick to the head in a London derby and confusion around a goal disallowed for handball.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
In a work so dense with references, mistakes will sprout like crabgrass; write a big book on André Le Nôtre’s formal gardens and the earthworm experts will gather to deride your confusion.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of confusion

Noun

The purchase of a simple birthday cake for their son can become an existential dilemma — not because of the price but because of other forms of humiliation that lie in wait around the act.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
Along the way, the audience can expect tons of humiliation, terrible second prizes, and the guarantee that Robertson will turn at least one poor soul's wrong turn into several minutes of unhinged public destruction.

— Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 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 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of mortification

noun

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