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

What about art that makes one cringe with embarrassment at its existence?

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Chronicling the hyper-niche behaviors that define our online existence, Berlant describes the seemingly inescapable embarrassment of wasting one’s life away in an endless scroll.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrassment

Noun

Election experts have said many instances of noncitizens registering to vote are a result of administrative error or confusion on the part of the immigrant — not intentional criminality.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
The confusion unfolded as a steady stream of women’s half-marathon runners crossed the finish line.

— Vivian Yao, Baltimore Sun, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of confusion

Noun

But duration turns the screw—prolonged humiliation or a slow unfolding toward future self-recrimination.

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
But whatever Schadenfreude Lamb might be feeling about his rival’s humiliation is checked by concern over how much her operation has compromised his agents, past and present.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 14 Oct. 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 25 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mortification

noun

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