SELF-FLAGELLATION Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

self-flagellation

noun

Definition of self-flagellation

as in self-annihilation

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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 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 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, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026 Others, including Halverson, would like to see the self-flagellation calm down. — Joshua Partlow, The Atlantic, 17 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

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

Of course, they’re devastated, and so is Clark, who is left with an ideal, a paragon of self-sacrifice, a superhero to remember and look up to, but not a friend.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Couples who stay close over the long haul rarely run on pure self-sacrifice.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

Definition of self-sacrifice

Noun

Effective recovery depends not only on the generosity of the donations, but also on strategic approaches that can get the type of aid needed to the people who need it.

— Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 13 July 2026
In all of these cases, the effect is largely the same—forging intimacy through some level of generosity or gallantry, coupled with pure, physical proximity—and in 2026, all of them are still technically possible.

— Sara Delgado, Vogue, 9 July 2026

Definition of generosity

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self-flagellating

self-flagellation

self-flattering

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“Self-flagellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-flagellation. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-flagellation

noun

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