SHAME Synonyms: 190 Similar and Opposite Words

shame 1 of 2

noun

ˈshām

Definition of shame

as in remorse

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing racked with shame over her actions of the previous week

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pity

a regrettable or blameworthy act it's a shame you won't be able to come to the party

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as in disgrace

the state of having lost the esteem of others left the room in shame after his angry outburst

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shame

2 of 2

verb

as in to humiliate

to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes shamed the family name with his conviction for embezzlement

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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 shame

Noun

But Carrie only feels shame and guilt over her actions, rejecting Emmaline’s celebratory gloating over the incident. — ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026 Her recent relapse, despite the secrecies and shame, was also a time of bliss. — James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Verb

In solving Birkin’s everyday problem, Dumas also created one of fashion’s most elusive status symbols, with a resale value capable of shaming many a Ferrari. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 As news of the allegations spread, some discussions were supportive of Doe, but others shamed her in conversations, a former member of Doe’s sorority, Delta Delta Delta, told NBC News. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shame

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shame

Noun

Prosecutors, who say the men haven’t expressed any remorse, have asked federal district judge Valerie Caproni to sentence all the men to life in prison.

— Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Jacobs spoke with reporters earlier this week, expressing remorse for his actions.

— Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

The pity of the judge who imprisoned them here was cold comfort for a group of people who had little reason to trust any legal authority.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
Still, the track eventually collides into a seasick wall of distortion that recalls lovesliescrushing’s weightless takes on shoegaze as Pitchkites sings of unmet expectations and self pity.

— Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of pity

Noun

Beneath the spy plots, then, is a fond portrait of a group of people held in perpetual disgrace for their shortcomings, and thus forced to find individual paths to redemption.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
But Scott was mercifully lifted for Evan Phillips, who recorded the final out of the game to save the Dodgers from disgrace.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of disgrace

Noun

But he was plagued by guilt over his ancestor’s role in the trials, and felt compelled to explore themes of human character, greed, and social decay through his work.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
As Fielder’s initially firm belief in Holmes’ guilt and manipulative powers appears to waver, Seyfried wonders if Fielder is in some way falling for her.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of guilt

Verb

There are growing concerns from Congress and observers that the election will take place in a hostile environment and efforts to discredit and undermine the election are already underway.

— Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
The few instances of panic were magnified by newspapers eager to discredit the new medium of radio.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of discredit

Noun

Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid Forward La Liga also issued an official statement expressing deep regret over the hurt caused to Chinese fans by Mbappé's remarks, adding that his personal views do not represent the Spanish league's position.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
The university said officials had reached out to McAfee to express their appreciation and regret.

— Stepheny Price OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of regret

Verb

Oddly, some on social media are acting like Nevada’s entire goal was to embarrass others during his weekend game.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
The actor may not always be playing Bond, but will forever be a Bond, and therefore must be counted upon to not embarrass the franchise.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of embarrass

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shambolic

shame

shamed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Shame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shame. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shame

noun

verb

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