self-flagellation

noun

Definition of self-flagellationnext
as in self-annihilation

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Example Sentences

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 self-flagellation Both the criticism and self-flagellation imply that the act of claiming another person’s words can render these words deceitful, even if the words have been paid for and the content is true. — Emily Hodgson Anderson, Fortune, 27 Mar. 2026 Others, including Halverson, would like to see the self-flagellation calm down. — Joshua Partlow, The Atlantic, 17 Mar. 2026 Every year on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar and the same day as the Battle of Karbala, Shiite Muslims inside and outside of Iran observe Ashura and commemorate the slaying of Hussain by reenacting his death and performing self-flagellation, among other rituals. — Eric Lob, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026 The same could be said for Howe’s lacerating self-flagellation afterwards. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-flagellation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-flagellation
  1. self-annihilation
  2. self-immolation
  3. altruism
  4. self-sacrifice
  5. magnanimity
  6. generosity
Noun
  • The will toward self-annihilation is a familiar human characteristic.
    — Henry Freedland, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Her self-annihilation is grisly and impossible to misinterpret as a final repudiation of her role in the HMS Courageous bombing and, until Grace announces she’d like Hal to be her vice-president, is the most intense and far-reaching twist of the episode.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of self-annihilation
Noun
  • Tibetans have also previously committed acts of self-immolation in protest against Beijing's policies in Tibet and nearby regions with large Tibetan populations.
    — Kanishka Singh, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Rangzen went live on Facebook to stream his self-immolation and death, according to amNewYork.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
Definition of self-immolation
Noun
  • Patel viewed it more as a high-stakes litmus test of his wealthy audience’s altruism.
    — Anna Tong, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Carol is alternately enchanted and frustrated by her husband’s innocence and altruism, which led him to his not particularly remunerative career as an interpreter.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 July 2026
Definition of altruism
Noun
  • Advertisement Traditionally, Japan’s work culture has rewarded self-sacrifice and long hours at work, at times at the expense of employee health and family life.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 July 2026
  • Life, people, and spirit teach us to replace self-interest and self-sufficiency with interdependency, service, and self-sacrifice.
    — Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026
Definition of self-sacrifice
Noun
  • Trump, for his part, spun the Fund as yet more evidence of his magnanimity.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 24 May 2026
  • But Beijing’s magnanimity isn’t going to transform the continent’s economy.
    — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 1 May 2026
Definition of magnanimity
Noun
  • In my experience, companies that decline to run it voluntarily tend to end up running it under duress, with fewer options and less generosity available to their people.
    — Andrew Sorohan, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Sixteen first-time finishers received complimentary buckles through the generosity of Lynn Marks and Tom Noll, while five junior riders successfully completed the course.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of generosity

Browse Nearby Words

self-flagellating
self-flagellation
self-flattering
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Cite this Entry

“Self-flagellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-flagellation. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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