infamy

noun

ˈin-fə-mē How to pronounce infamy (audio)
Definition of infamynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 infamy Knox herself is an executive producer on this telling, inspired by her experiences with the Italian criminal justice system and infamy. —Debbie Day, EW.com, 28 May 2025 The Rockies, continuing their road to baseball infamy, had five hits, struck out 10 times, and tumbled to a 21-71 record. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 9 July 2025 Their names mononymously live in infamy: Darko and Bargnani. —Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 19 June 2025 Or Ishiba’s chances of avoiding short-timer infamy in the annals of Tokyo politics. —William Pesek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infamy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infamy
  1. disgrace
  2. shame
Noun
  • The Australian media called them a disgrace and embarrassment.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • Cuomo launched his campaign in March, four years after resigning as New York's governor in disgrace.
    — Kyler Alvord, People.com, 25 June 2025
Definition of disgrace
Noun
  • That would be a shame, particularly given the importance previous United managers have placed on promoting the club’s own.
    — Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The shame and fear and disgust that welled up inside me, the bullish resistance that struggled to quell it because this man would never hurt me, this man was never wrong.
    — Meg Pillow July 31, Literary Hub, 31 July 2025
Definition of shame

Browse Nearby Words

infamous
infamy
infancies
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Cite this Entry

“Infamy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infamy. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on infamy

Nglish: Translation of infamy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about infamy

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