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 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

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

Flowers’ voice also carries some of Waylon’s wry, bear-hug generosity, that warmth that always makes his music feel like good company.

— Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 Aug. 2026
The Dream Ride Experience has grown into an extraordinary celebration of community, generosity, and inclusion.

— Mark Maglio, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-flagellation

noun

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