BASTARDIZE Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

bastardize

verb

ˈba-stər-ˌdīz

Definition of bastardize

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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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

Verb

Neither of those seats was a Democratic target at the start of this election cycle, but both races saw later investment as the environment appeared to degrade for Republicans.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026
The experiments will test whether the reactor’s exhaust system can endure the punishment of such high-performance plasma without degrading.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of degrade

Verb

With the industry-wide chain-of-trust mechanism subverted, the malware was able to run malicious code before Windows was fully loaded and many security defenses were operational.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026
Liu had the idea to subvert his parents’ roles after finding his father’s wedding suit from 1984.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of subvert

Verb

But notes issued when specified revenue conditions are unmet carry a 13% interest rate and convert at 85% of market price, giving noteholders more shares for each dollar and further diluting existing shareholders.

— Wen Shao, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026
Section 2 is the tool Black voters have relied on for six decades to challenge maps attempting to dilute their power.

— Seth Limmer, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of dilute

Verb

From the very start, the students assigned as guards went on cruel power trips and repeatedly humiliated — if not psychologically tortured — the inmates, to the point that some of the prisoners suffered nervous breakdowns.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 29 Oct. 2026
The Packers come off an angry loss while the Panthers were humiliated on Sunday.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of humiliate

Verb

But when the King is gifted with another little person, whom the king debases and shames, Hopfrog plots a terrible revenge.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026
At the same time, the Daily Beast reported on the Fielder fandom, with devotees praising his voice, competence and willingness to debase himself for the camera.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of debase

Verb

An evening spent practicing, creating, or enjoying your own company can strengthen your life outside the group without weakening the friendship.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
The grid, however, was already weakened given a lack of maintenance and investment.

— Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

Chemically destroying the channel in adult mouse osteocytes accelerated signs of aging far beyond the skeleton, affecting the brain, liver, and muscles.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
The light generates highly reactive chlorine radicals that activate carbon atoms along the polymer chains without destroying them.

— Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of destroy

Browse Nearby Words

bastard

bastardize

bastardized

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“Bastardize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bastardize. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of bastardize

verb

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