1
as in remorse
a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing racked with shame over her actions of the previous week
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in disgrace
the state of having lost the esteem of others left the room in shame after his angry outburst
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Keith M. Bellizzi, The Conversation, 13 Apr. 2026 This is a hard one to rewatch in 2026, though, since the world of the 1970s, with its robust, respected media and politicians that can feel shame, feel so utterly foreign. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026
Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026 In fact, the pointed hoods of nazarenos are inspired by clothes used to shame sinners during the Spanish Inquisition. —Alexis Marshall, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shame
Noun
For Maria, connection with other women who had had mastectomies normalized her experience and reduced shame. —Keith M. Bellizzi, The Conversation, 13 Apr. 2026 This is a hard one to rewatch in 2026, though, since the world of the 1970s, with its robust, respected media and politicians that can feel shame, feel so utterly foreign. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
The marvel of the play, and of this keenly staged and performed production, is its emotional volatility, the quiver of truth behind the percolating dialogue of evasion or shaming accusation. —Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026 In fact, the pointed hoods of nazarenos are inspired by clothes used to shame sinners during the Spanish Inquisition. —Alexis Marshall, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shame
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shame
Noun
-
The Miami Dolphins added an actual ton of beef to the defensive front in last year’s draft, and for half a season there seemed to be buyer’s remorse.— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
-
Ball, for his part, expressed remorse for his actions.— Eric Nehm, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Renee Seevers, chief executive of TinyFest, an annual gathering of tiny-home providers and experts, still remembers when her 100-square-foot lifestyle went from looks of pity to those of awe.— Amancai Biraben, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
-
While the Kings feasted on pity points to contort and squeeze their way into the playoffs, the reset button has been pressed firmly around the NHL.— Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And the roundtable on Congressman Eric Swalwell resigning in disgrace.— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026
-
As Swalwell prepared to resign from Congress in disgrace, accuser Lonna Drewes said Swalwell attacked her following a Hollywood meeting in 2018.— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And the President doesn’t seem to mind if Vance humiliates himself running errands.— Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
-
The series follows Sabrina (Ayres), who is humiliated and emotionally devastated after being betrayed by her boyfriend.— Ed Meza, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The prosecutors said the long lag showed consciousness of guilt.— Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
-
Well, there are worse things to do with your guilt over saying something cruel in a drunken rant than throwing a very thoughtful 30th-birthday party, no?— Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Robert Brulle, a visiting professor at Brown University who studies fossil fuel lobbying, said ExxonMobil led efforts to discredit climate science that successfully impeded government intervention.— Alex Kuffner, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
-
New science and forensics have since discredited the expert’s conclusion, prompting Gurley to throw out the convictions and order a new trial.— Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For many athletes, an injury of this magnitude could lead them down a dark path of regret, anger and even self-loathing, but with help from his village at TCU, Ibukun-Okeyode was able to forge his own path.— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2026
-
Their unexpected connection propels them on a road trip to San Francisco… As the landscapes shift from the bustling city to serene coastal towns, their relationship deepens, revealing vulnerabilities, regrets and dreams.— Kennedy French, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The transparency issue also became important after the board embarrassed itself by quietly boosting board members’ pay by 25% — with Foley being the only member opposed.— The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
-
Watching a prodigy embarrass the world over 72 holes was riveting; equally captivating is following the same person be exposed by life, hubris and ego.— Mac Engel April 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/shame. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
