Definitions

infamous

[in-fuh-muhs] / ˈɪn fə məs /

ADJECTIVE

shameful, bad in reputation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disgraceful egregious hateful heinous ignominious monstrous notorious outrageous scandalous shocking vicious vile

WEAK

abominable atrocious base contemptible corrupt degenerate despicable detestable dishonorable disreputable evil flagitious foul ill-famed iniquitous loathsome miscreant nefarious odious offensive opprobrious perverse questionable rotten scurvy shady sorry unhealthy villainous wicked

Antonyms

STRONGEST

friendly gentle good kind little magnificent nice pleasant wonderful

WEAK

dignified glorious innocent moral perfect principled pure respectable righteous virtuous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Eastwood plays the spoon-wielding lead in this thrilling jailbreak saga based on the infamous real-life escape from the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in 1962.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

It appears the nearly 80-year-old president confused the infamous Prohibition agent with Kevin Costner’s portrayal of Ness in the 1987 film “The Untouchables.”

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

He did, however, temporarily tarnish his standing with his infamous "thrown under the bus" outburst at Elland Road after he was left on the bench at Leeds United in December.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Wind-driven fires are infamous for overwhelming first responders because of the speed and scale of the fire spread.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Its most infamous occupant, and the most long-term.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Vocabulary lists containing infamous

The Bill of Rights

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"Beowulf," Vocabulary from the epic poem

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Grade 9, List 5

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