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

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 disrepute That includes violating the basic rules of decent conduct, insulting a person through offensive gestures or language and behaving in a way that brings FIFA or the sport into disrepute. Natalie Kainz, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2023 September 4, 2023 Charles’s mother Queen Elizabeth II was said to have initially disproved of the relationship, partly because her son’s affair with Parker-Bowles had brought the family into disrepute, and reportedly left the wedding celebration to watch horse racing in another room. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2023 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 The two disruptive figures operate on different ends of the political spectrum, yet both achieved success in similar ways and have fallen into disrepute for similar reasons. Allysia Finley, WSJ, 20 Nov. 2022 See all Example Sentences for disrepute 

Thesaurus Entries Near disrepute

Cite this Entry

“Disrepute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disrepute. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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!