Definition of disreputenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun disrepute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disrepute are disgrace, dishonor, ignominy, and infamy. While all these words mean "the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach," disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation.

a once proud name fallen into disrepute

When would disgrace be a good substitute for disrepute?

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

sent home in disgrace

When could dishonor be used to replace disrepute?

The words dishonor and disrepute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dishonor emphasizes the loss of honor that one has enjoyed or the loss of self-esteem.

preferred death to life with dishonor

Where would ignominy be a reasonable alternative to disrepute?

In some situations, the words ignominy and disrepute are roughly equivalent. However, ignominy stresses humiliation.

the ignominy of being arrested

When is it sensible to use infamy instead of disrepute?

Although the words infamy and disrepute 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 disrepute Its popularity lasted well into the early nineteenth century, declining only after the surrounding neighborhood fell into disrepute, causing the once proud establishment to eventually shut its doors. James Dodson july 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025 There’s no denying that digital currency, Web3 and blockchain still carry a certain air of disrepute. Jamie Elkaleh, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 The board also found Proctor had created the appearance of bias in his dealings with a homicide suspect, and/or brought himself and the agency into disrepute. Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 2 June 2025 By the time the Rolling Stones visited in 1967, the city known as the Door of Africa had descended into disrepute. Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for disrepute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disrepute
Noun
  • Generally regarded as being in the moderate wing of the left-leaning party, Streeting was friendly with Peter Mandelson, the once-influential Labour figure now in disgrace over his friendship with Epstein.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 May 2026
  • Their head coach for qualifying, Steve McClaren, resigned immediately in disgrace, and Speid—a certified accountant who’s coached in Jamaica’s domestic league for more than a decade—took over.
    Franklin Leonard, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Bryna Laub, editor of Daytime Serial Newsletter, felt the show besmirched the sanctity of soaps and contributed to the broader currents of shame surrounding the genre.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • There’s no shame in the aging game, though.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disrepute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disrepute. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on disrepute

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster