INFAMY Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of infamy are disgrace , dishonor , disrepute , and ignominy . While all these words mean "the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach," infamy usually implies notoriety as well as exceeding shame. // a day that lives in infamy

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

The words disgrace and infamy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disgrace often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism. // sent home in disgrace

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

In some situations, the words dishonor and infamy 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'disrepute' instead of 'infamy'?

Although the words disrepute and infamy have much in common, disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation. // a once proud name fallen into disrepute

Q: When would 'ignominy' be a good substitute for 'infamy'?

The words ignominy and infamy can be used in similar contexts, but ignominy stresses humiliation. // the ignominy of being arrested

infamy

noun

ˈin-fə-mē

Definition of infamy next

as in disgrace

the state of having lost the esteem of others despite her eventual pardons, she could never completely free herself of the infamy of being named a war criminal

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How does the noun infamy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of infamy are disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, and ignominy. While all these words mean "the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach," infamy usually implies notoriety as well as exceeding shame.

a day that lives in infamy

When can disgrace be used instead of infamy?

The words disgrace and infamy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disgrace often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism.

sent home in disgrace

In what contexts can dishonor take the place of infamy?

In some situations, the words dishonor and infamy 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

When is it sensible to use disrepute instead of infamy?

Although the words disrepute and infamy have much in common, disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation.

a once proud name fallen into disrepute

When would ignominy be a good substitute for infamy?

The words ignominy and infamy can be used in similar contexts, but ignominy stresses humiliation.

the ignominy of being arrested

Examples 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 infamy Listen to this article PARIS — After a day that will live in infamy to the people of Serbia, a handful of old friends talked deep into the night. —

Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 8 Dec. 2024 Over 80 years later, Dec. 7, 1941 is a date that still lives in infamy. —

James Powel, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024 The 2017 Houston Astros will forever live in infamy. —

Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024 Both of us knew that in 2006, Heff earned permanent Hollywood B-list infamy as the screenwriter of Snakes on a Plane, the cult classic, so-bad-it’s-good Samuel L. Jackson thriller with the title that explains the movie’s entire plot. —

Mark Oppenheimer, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infamy