SHAMEFUL Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

shameful

adjective

ˈshām-fəl

Definition of shameful

as in notorious

not respectable shameful behavior by a bunch of drunken boors

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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 shameful Only in New York, by New Yorkers, even weeks after the Knicks win — still shameful! — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026 But Marie’s past — her shameful affair with a German soldier during occupation — threatens to catch up with her. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026 His comments literally minimizing antisemitism in our country was shameful. — Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 Through Taylor-Joy’s character, the series reminds us to face ourselves, even the broken and painful bits that feel shameful. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shameful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shameful

Adjective

Age verifications and parental controls come with notorious loopholes.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
The tariffs are notorious among economists and historians for shutting down world commerce and making the Great Depression worse.

— Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of notorious

Adjective

Broadway-loving teens will fall madly in love with this 2001 musical classic about the infamous French nightclub, its star performer Satine, and her poem-writing love Christian—Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor in two of their best roles.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
When the Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago earlier this year, many people expected former President Obama’s infamous tan suit to be on display.

— August 29, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of infamous

Adjective

But for now, CyberLeek is trying to monetize the GTA 6 leaks by asking for shady donations.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
Others sat in shady spots on Montrose Avenue where the parade units combined with waiting community groups to end the parade at the festival grounds.

— Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of shady

Adjective

Jacobs was formally charged Thursday with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property, stemming from the May 23 incident at his home near Green Bay.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
The bill brings state fireworks licensing requirements in line with federal ones by expanding the list of criminal convictions that make applicants ineligible for fireworks licenses.

— Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of criminal

Browse Nearby Words

shamefaced

shameful

shameless

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“Shameful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shameful. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shameful

adjective

Example Sentences

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