Find Synonyms

shame Synonyms

Another word for shame

Choosing another word for shame depends on context, so the 42 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.

Usage Example

"He bowed his head in deep humiliation after realizing how much his words had hurt his friend."

Strongest
humiliation
mortification
Strong
embarrassment
remorse
guilt
chagrin
compunction
contrition
abasement
Weak
sheepishness

• noun (Context 2)

A loss of respect or esteem; a state of dishonor or public disgrace.

Usage Example

"The financial scandal brought lasting disgrace upon the entire organization."

Strongest
disgrace
dishonor
ignominy
Strong
infamy
disrepute
discredit
opprobrium
stigma
obloquy
scandal

• noun (Context 3)

A regrettable or unfortunate situation, action, or circumstance.

Usage Example

"It is a real pity that the historic theater was demolished to build a parking lot."

Strongest
pity
Strong
misfortune
tragedy
crime
sin
Weak
travesty
bummer

• verb (Context 4)

To make someone feel ashamed, humiliated, or disgraced.

Usage Example

"Publicly criticizing employees for minor mistakes only serves to humiliate them rather than improve their work."

Strongest
humiliate
mortify
disgrace
Strong
embarrass
dishonor
abase
humble
demean
debase
degrade

• verb (Context 5)

To compel or pressure someone into doing something by arousing feelings of guilt or embarrassment.

Usage Example

"His friends finally shamed him into apologizing for his rude comment."

Strongest
guilt
guilt-trip
Strong
pressure
goad
Weak
prod
coerce

• interjection (Context 6)

Used as a cry of disapproval, reproach, or condemnation toward someone's actions.

Usage Example

"The crowd chanted "fie!" as the corrupt official walked out of the courthouse."

Strong
fie
boo

Opposites of shame

The opposite of shame shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

honor
pride
glory
blessing
shamelessness
bravo
self-respect
credit
See all opposites of shame

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Shame. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/shame
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