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

The drama that animates Mud is a Sisyphean one, and Wolf casts herself as agent of her own embarrassment and woe.

— Enzo Escober, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to Epstein have been a source of embarrassment to the royal family for more than a decade.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

The players’ win brought confusion over whether the injunction applied only to eligibility rules or extended to related rules, such as the transfer portal.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Combs’ rep offered a glimpse into the situation and the confusion seemingly surrounding it.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of confusion

Noun

Flanagan has to reach a bit to find something new to say here, since the 2002 Carrie already touched on school violence in a post-Columbine world, while the tech-savvier 2013 movie turned Carrie’s humiliation into a viral video.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
This anecdote is delivered in song, which somehow makes the humiliation worse — and more savagely humorous.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mortification

noun

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