discredit
verb
dis·cred·it
(ˌ)dis-ˈkre-dət 
discredited; discrediting; discredits
1
: to refuse to accept as true or accurate : disbelieve
discredit a rumor
2
: to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of
trying to discredit the claims of a rival
a discredited theory
Examples of discredit in a Sentence
The prosecution discredited the witness by showing that she had lied in the past.
Many of his theories have been thoroughly discredited.
an attempt to discredit the governor
Recent Examples on the Web
How many more tens of millions will be spent as opponents try to discredit him and try to get their guy on top?
—
Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
However, Dempsey isn’t going to discredit what others who made their first World Cup roster bring to the table.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2026
The case against Díez started in 2025 when audio recordings appeared in Spanish media of her apparent involvement in attempts to discredit a member of the Civil Guard’s anti-corruption unit.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
Stories that discredit Israel’s enemies, such as about Hamas’s crimes against Palestinians in Gaza, are reported grudgingly, if at all.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discredit
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Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
However, Dempsey isn’t going to discredit what others who made their first World Cup roster bring to the table.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2026
The case against Díez started in 2025 when audio recordings appeared in Spanish media of her apparent involvement in attempts to discredit a member of the Civil Guard’s anti-corruption unit.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
Stories that discredit Israel’s enemies, such as about Hamas’s crimes against Palestinians in Gaza, are reported grudgingly, if at all.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for discredit
Cite this Entry
“Discredit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discredit. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
discredit
1 of 2 verb
dis·cred·it
(ˈ)dis-ˈkred-ət
1
: to refuse to accept as true or correct : disbelieve
discredit a rumor
2
: to cause to seem dishonest or untrue
discredit a witness
3
: to destroy the good reputation of : disgrace entry 1
involvement in the scandal discredited them
discreditable
adjective
-ə-bəl
discreditably
adverb
-blē
discredit
2 of 2 noun1
: loss of good name or respect
brought discredit on their family
2
: lack or loss of belief or confidence
bring a story into discredit
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