disgrace 1 of 2

1
2
as in scandal
a cause of shame the exposure of his criminal record was a huge disgrace for the councilman

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in pity
a regrettable or blameworthy act it's a disgrace to let all the leftover food from the banquet go to waste, so let's deliver it to the homeless shelter

Synonyms & Similar Words

disgrace

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun disgrace differ from other similar words?

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

sent home in disgrace

When could dishonor be used to replace disgrace?

While in some cases nearly identical to disgrace, 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 disrepute take the place of disgrace?

In some situations, the words disrepute and disgrace are roughly equivalent. However, 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 disgrace?

The synonyms ignominy and disgrace are sometimes interchangeable, but ignominy stresses humiliation.

the ignominy of being arrested

When is infamy a more appropriate choice than disgrace?

The words infamy and disgrace can be used in similar contexts, but 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 disgrace
Noun
No one can figure out why in the world Gov. Ron DeSantis does nothing about this disgrace to the badge. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2025 There was no disgrace in getting blown out in the second half by the Cavaliers. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
Will formerly disgraced Russian performers return to American halls? Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 Loading your audio article With the San Jose District 3 special election less than two months away, candidates in the crowded field to replace disgraced former Councilmember Omar Torres have begun to roll out their policy platforms in hopes of winning the support of voters. Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disgrace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disgrace
Noun
  • Adidas Has Double Discounts on Comfy Sneakers and Travel-ready Styles—Deals Start at $27 Vionic Tide Melo Sandals $85 $55 at Amazon These Tide Melo sandals put regular flip-flops to shame.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2025
  • After the Halls admitted the charges were true, both resigned in shame — Katie serving probation and Junifer going to federal prison for 16 months.
    Steve Patterson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Imtiyaz Khan/Anadolu via Getty Images Catholics across the globe are mourning the death of Pope Francis, remembering him for his humility, generosity of spirit, concern for the poor, and steadfast efforts to restore trust in the church after years of scandal.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Hegseth and the White House sought to point the finger for the new scandal at four top aides who were recently forced out at the Pentagon amid a broad investigation over media leaks in his first several weeks in the post.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • If you're met with pity about your child's autism, don't be afraid to correct your colleagues politely.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Unfortunately, Brit drags some residuals of her pity party into the episode while car shopping with her husband in a scene devoid of any chemistry, then at dinner with Drew.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Shawn reluctantly agrees, but is humiliated when Cory starts acting corny around his friend Gambling Dan (Phil Buckman), and his lackey, Louie (Weiss).
    EW.com, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • He must be seen standing up to foreign oppressors who seek to humiliate China and thwart its rightful rise.
    Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Biden’s actions continue to discredit the legitimacy of our judicial system.
    Carl Burdette, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The current page suggests this paper's explicit intention was to discredit the lab leak theory and remove any doubt that the origins were of natural origin.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • O’Neil had shown a more ruthless streak in dealing with Lemina, stripping the midfielder of the captaincy after those embarrassing post-match scenes at West Ham.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Punk proceeded to beatdown and embarrass McIntyre, leading to Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and winning the title from McIntyre.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disgrace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disgrace. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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