dishonor 1 of 2

dishonor

2 of 2

verb

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
Macbeth’s themes of deceit and dishonor sit squarely within the director's filmography while also crafting one of the most atmospheric and affecting Shakespeare works to date. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2024 For some families, failing to provide an elaborate wedding can lead to dishonor or even death. Ira Trivedi, Foreign Affairs, 22 May 2015
Verb
In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Lightfoot accused Trump of dishonoring Floyd’s memory after the president suggested those protesting his death should be shot. Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025 The second believed the United States could attain comprehensive security through military-technological means and saw diplomacy as a quixotic or pusillanimous enterprise that dishonored and weakened the country. A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dishonor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dishonor
Noun
  • Alfie’s liberation doesn’t go well for him, but his public disgrace can’t undo the goodwill he’s established through his championing of art.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
  • Kim Soo-hyun is now weathering his own public disgrace.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • The flamboyant Powell, a famed political figure in the city first elected to the House in 1944, was ill and haunted by scandal at the time.
    Deepti Hajela, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
  • Still, after being embroiled in the scandal, Rangel was reelected and went on to serve two more terms in Congress -- and was still widely respected.
    Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • And after Trump’s attempts to humiliate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office, the lure of the White House is waning.
    Stephen Collinson, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
  • Simone Inzaghi really needs the win here — his Italian side finished one point behind Serie A champ Napoli and was humiliated by rival AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semifinal.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 31 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
Verb
  • Injuries contributed to the Pacers’ series wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, but claiming the Pacers only advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for a second straight postseason because of lucky breaks discredits their greatness.
    Jovan Buha, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • The former Minnesota Democratic congressman was widely shunned for running against Biden and discredited for his accusations that Biden wasn’t capable of being president again.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • McGregor dismantled Aldo during the pre-fight lead-up and subsequently embarrassed him in 13 seconds at UFC 194 in 2015.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • But Mei is convinced her overbearing mother only exists to embarrass while never understanding her struggles.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dishonor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dishonor. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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