DISHONOR Synonyms: 154 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'dishonor' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dishonor are disgrace , disrepute , ignominy , and infamy . While all these words mean "the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach," dishonor emphasizes the loss of honor that one has enjoyed or the loss of self-esteem. // preferred death to life with dishonor

Q: In what contexts can 'disgrace' take the place of 'dishonor'?

While the synonyms disgrace and dishonor are close in meaning, disgrace often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism. // sent home in disgrace

Q: When would 'disrepute' be a good substitute for 'dishonor'?

The words disrepute and dishonor can be used in similar contexts, but disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation. // a once proud name fallen into disrepute

Q: Where would 'ignominy' be a reasonable alternative to 'dishonor'?

The meanings of ignominy and dishonor largely overlap; however, ignominy stresses humiliation. // the ignominy of being arrested

Q: When can 'infamy' be used instead of 'dishonor'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dishonor , infamy usually implies notoriety as well as exceeding shame. // a day that lives in infamy

dishonor 1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)dis-ˈä-nər

Definition of dishonor next

as in disgrace

the state of having lost the esteem of others a person of integrity who would prefer death to dishonor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in scandal

a cause of shame your expulsion from the military academy for cheating is a dishonor to this family

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dishonor

2 of 2

verb

as in to humiliate

to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes dishonored herself by fixing the results of her medical research

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun dishonor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dishonor are disgrace, disrepute, ignominy, and infamy. While all these words mean "the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach," dishonor emphasizes the loss of honor that one has enjoyed or the loss of self-esteem.

preferred death to life with dishonor

In what contexts can disgrace take the place of dishonor?

While the synonyms disgrace and dishonor are close in meaning, disgrace often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism.

sent home in disgrace

When would disrepute be a good substitute for dishonor?

The words disrepute and dishonor can be used in similar contexts, but disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation.

a once proud name fallen into disrepute

Where would ignominy be a reasonable alternative to dishonor?

The meanings of ignominy and dishonor largely overlap; however, ignominy stresses humiliation.

the ignominy of being arrested

When can infamy be used instead of dishonor?

While in some cases nearly identical to dishonor, 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 dishonor

Noun

Their decision to litigate their meritless claims in the press reeks of desperation and dishonors their father’s express wishes. —

Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Aug. 2024 On Wednesday, that dishonor went to Josh Jones and Ben Cleveland, as several offensive linemen committed a false start for the third straight day. —

Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 24 July 2024

Verb

Trump dishonored his nomination for president by using it to hawk for his own profit sneakers, bibles, watches, and crypto currency. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Proximus uses it as a war cry against his own people, dishonoring Caesar’s attempt at unanimity. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dishonor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dishonor

Noun

Multiple clubs were sold in the aftermath, while a long list of coaches and general managers were dismissed or stepped down in disgrace.

— Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
Gascón’s disgrace has given Hollywood a rare chance to right an egregious wrong.

— Giancarlo Sopo, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2025