Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ignominy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ignominy are disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, and infamy. While all these words mean "the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach," ignominy stresses humiliation.

the ignominy of being arrested

When can disgrace be used instead of ignominy?

The synonyms disgrace and ignominy are sometimes interchangeable, but disgrace often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism.

sent home in disgrace

In what contexts can dishonor take the place of ignominy?

In some situations, the words dishonor and ignominy are roughly equivalent. However, dishonor emphasizes the loss of honor that one has enjoyed or the loss of self-esteem.

preferred death to life with dishonor

Where would disrepute be a reasonable alternative to ignominy?

The meanings of disrepute and ignominy largely overlap; however, disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation.

a once proud name fallen into disrepute

When might infamy be a better fit than ignominy?

Although the words infamy and ignominy have much in common, infamy usually implies notoriety as well as exceeding shame.

a day that lives in infamy

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 ignominy Eric Wynalda dribbled toward the goal box and curled a shot inside the far post for an 88th-minute strike, saving the league’s debut from scoreless ignominy and lifting San Jose’s club, then named the Clash, to a 1-0 win over D.C. United. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025 Now, Saturday, UM is relegated to the ignominy of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025 The hope was that the trio could usher in a new phase for the reality universe, to move forward after the ignominy of its creator’s sudden exit. Peter White, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025 With four more wins, the Wizards can at least avoid the ignominy of the 9-73 Philadelphia team of 1972-73 or the 7-59 Charlotte team of 2011-12. John Hollinger, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ignominy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignominy
Noun
  • It’s been a long time since Florida’s university system was put to such disgrace as the Board of Governors did Tuesday in rejecting the distinguished scholar Santa Ono as the lone finalist for president of the University of Florida.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • For decades, both Republican and Democratic administrations agreed ‒ at least for immigrants from Vietnam, a country the United States left in disgrace five decades years ago.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • That means having the courage to say what needs to be said—without blame, without shame and always with the intention to help.
    Jaide Massin, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • But when the nights are long and your world has shattered, just having something to talk to without shame or fear, can be the difference between falling apart and holding on.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ignominy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignominy. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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