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bastardize

verb

ˈba-stər-ˌdīz How to pronounce bastardize (audio)
Definition of bastardizenext
as in to degrade
to lower in character, dignity, or quality bastardize the art form by adapting it to popular taste

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 bastardize The events meant to bring us together, like the Super Bowl or March Madness, have been bastardized into vehicles for ruinous addiction. — MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025 Additionally, adding the musical element further bastardizes this tale. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025 Over the years, though, the cocktail has become bastardized into a sugary drink containing all sorts of fruit juices and sweeteners, causing it to be denegrated alongside the likes of Long Island Ice Teas and Strawberry Daiquiris. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2023 These white people in blackface entertained the masses with stereotypes of Blackness, bastardizing the Black identity in the process. — Tayo Bero, refinery29.com, 4 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for bastardize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bastardize
  1. degrade
  2. subvert
  3. corrupt
  4. dilute
  5. humiliate
  6. debase
  7. weaken
  8. destroy
Verb
  • Simply douse it with mildly alkaline water, and the polymer begins degrading, breaking down within minutes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Enhancing an enzyme’s plastic-degrading speed typically required extensive genetic modifications that compromised its structural integrity.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of degrade
Verb
  • The familiarity of Havaianas is subverted thanks to MM6 with two unique expressions.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • This places the audience alongside the Konyaks, and subverts the traditional, colonial cinematic gaze in the vein of Filipino maestro Lav Diaz.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of subvert
Verb
  • But, in Hagwon, Lee does not seem interested in the ways in which her diplomatic, kind, generous characters might be corrupted.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • And by engaging with these powerful militaries, the group reinforced its self-image as a major regional player that was uniquely capable of liberating the Muslim world from corrupting American and Israeli influence.
    — April Longley Alley, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of corrupt
Verb
  • Unfortunately, Volvo also fitted steering that feels like it has been diluted.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026
  • When the lid is locked, condensation builds up and drips back into the dish, which can thin sauces and dilute seasoning.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of dilute
Verb
  • But the Saudis, humiliated by their losses in Yemen, seem likely to lash out.
    — Kareem Fahim, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
  • When she and the other part-time employees were told their positions were being eliminated, Valcarcel said she felt humiliated and disrespected.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of humiliate
Verb
  • This rousing tribute to the free press, delivered by the son of a journalist, was followed by the world premiere of Danny Boyle’s Ink, a film about how the journalists at British tabloid The Sun ended up debasing our entire society.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The bulk of these are in regions like Africa and South America, where governments have repeatedly debased national currencies, and prompted their citizens to seek out sturdier assets like Tether’s dollar and gold offerings instead.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of debase
Verb
  • Higher borrowing costs can eventually weaken loan demand and increase stress among borrowers.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Recent polling supports the article’s claim that Latino support has weakened amid concerns about inflation, immigration enforcement, jobs and wages.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • Just this man, essentially destroying himself while his friend watched.
    — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The European Union’s ban on destroying unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear began applying to large companies July 19.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of destroy

Browse Nearby Words

bastard
bastardize
bastardized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bastardize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bastardize. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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