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Definitions

shame

[sheym] / ʃeɪm /
NOUN
disgrace, embarrassment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confusion contempt guilt humiliation irritation remorse scandal stigma
STRONG
abashment blot chagrin compunction contrition degradation derision discomposure discredit disesteem dishonor disrepute ignominy infamy mortification obloquy odium opprobrium pang reproach self-disgust self-reproach self-reproof shamefacedness smear stupefaction treachery
WEAK
bad conscience ill repute loss of face pudency skeleton in the cupboard
Antonyms
STRONG
approval esteem honor meanness praise respect
WEAK
pride
VERB
disgrace, embarrass
Synonyms
STRONGEST
debase discredit dishonor humiliate mortify reproach ridicule
STRONG
abash blot confound defile degrade disconcert humble smear stain
WEAK
cut down to size give a black eye shoot down take down take down a peg
Antonyms
STRONGEST
credit elevate flatter honor laud praise upgrade
STRONG
clean promote
WEAK
be proud regard respect

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.

At one point, Hegseth hit back with a defiant tone, telling a congressman "shame on you".

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Disguises aren’t necessary when shame doesn’t factor into the price of admission.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

There’s no shame in locking in some of the big profits in chip companies now before an eventual pullback.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

To demand more seems to be willfully obtuse, more like a social media shame ritual than anything useful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

I could feel my neck turning splotchy with the shame of Ma’s scheme.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Vocabulary lists containing shame

Common Five-letter Words for Wordle, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Raymond's Run"

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Purple Hibiscus

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!