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as in disgraces
the state of having lost the esteem of others
left the room in shame after his angry outburst
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in humiliates
to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes
shamed the family name with his conviction for embezzlement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shames
Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
The Ioniq 9 shames the Lexus TX’s ride quality, feels far more premium than any Hyundai has a right to, and at first blush, matches that of the sublime Cadillac Lyriq in most ways.
—Cyril Soliman, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
While the marketplace hasn’t caught up, many are vocal about denouncing rhetoric that shames older women with the hopes that, one day, everyone will catch on.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
Critics say the sequence is built upon dubious data, overlooks racial disparities and shames students who are raised in single-parent households.
—Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
The Ioniq 9 shames the Lexus TX’s ride quality, feels far more premium than any Hyundai has a right to, and at first blush, matches that of the sublime Cadillac Lyriq in most ways.
—Cyril Soliman, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
While the marketplace hasn’t caught up, many are vocal about denouncing rhetoric that shames older women with the hopes that, one day, everyone will catch on.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shames
Noun
-
Had all those court cases and public disgraces dampened his hubris?—
Maer Roshan,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Later that season, Eric humiliates Bill in front of their Pierpoint colleagues by insulting his work quality and Bill dies from brain cancer.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Thecla humiliates him by ripping his robe and tearing the wreath off his head.—
Christy Cobb,
The Conversation,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The praiseworthyness of having both sides of the debate evaporates when the host actively discredits the expert and reflexively enhances the legitimacy of the conspiracy theorist.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
1 Dec. 2025
-
Yet despite its popularity, research discredits this long-standing belief.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Maia and her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hustcherson) are on the outs after Maia completely embarrasses herself at Dylan’s game night with his co-workers.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shames. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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