SELF-FLAGELLATION Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

self-flagellation

noun

Definition of self-flagellation

as in self-annihilation

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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

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

YouTube was used to widely share videos, including the initial protests in Tunisia following the self-immolation of a fruit vendor.

— David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026
People in crisis incarcerated in Joliet have set over 60 fires since summer 2024, including eight cases of self-immolation and, after guards impeded access to lifesaving care, at least one death.

— Joan Steffen, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of self-immolation

Noun

This image influenced the Italian view of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905, in which European journalists presented the Japanese soldiers as samurai-like paragons of discipline and self-sacrifice.

— Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 22 Sep. 2026
Over in Massachusetts, Frances learns that only an Owens woman’s self-sacrifice can liberate all Owens women from the curse of lovelessness.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of self-sacrifice

Noun

Trump’s magnanimity comes as China and the United States are in a contest for global leadership, with some of America’s traditional allies rethinking their strategies.

— Josh Boak, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
Trump, for his part, spun the Fund as yet more evidence of his magnanimity.

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 24 May 2026

Definition of magnanimity

Noun

Jewel-bright macarons and sweets set a tone of abundant generosity at check-in.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The Sun in your 8th House opposes Saturn in your 2nd, highlighting the difference between generosity and taking on more than feels sustainable.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-flagellation

noun

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