1
as in to paralyze
to deprive of courage or confidence
the mere sight of the forbidding cliffs demoralized the climbers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to discourage
to lessen the courage or confidence of
we refused to be demoralized by our humiliating defeat and vowed to come roaring back the following week
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3
as in to humiliate
to lower in character, dignity, or quality
felt society as a whole has been demoralized by the widespread availability of pornography
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of demoralize
The Franco-Prussian war was a humiliating, demoralizing affair for the French, ending the nation’s power over continental Europe.
—
Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Two weeks to put a demoralizing 2023-24 season behind him.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025
Liberal groups for weeks have organized anti-Tesla protests in hopes of galvanizing opposition to Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and energizing Democrats still demoralized by Trump’s November victory.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
One person who cannot be trusted with a high degree of independence can demoralize an entire organization very quickly.
—Dave Friend, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demoralize
Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Two weeks to put a demoralizing 2023-24 season behind him.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025
Liberal groups for weeks have organized anti-Tesla protests in hopes of galvanizing opposition to Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and energizing Democrats still demoralized by Trump’s November victory.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
One person who cannot be trusted with a high degree of independence can demoralize an entire organization very quickly.
—Dave Friend, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demoralize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demoralize
Verb
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And even in organizations offering robust benefits, many employees don’t access them—paralyzed by fear of stigma, career repercussions, or overwhelm.—
Nell Derick Debevoise,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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Singer Jeff Becerra was paralyzed in a separate shooting in 1989.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2025
Verb
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This could discourage aggressive use, especially if there is concern over accountability or the risk of losing valuable hardware.—
Vikram Mittal,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
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The primary reason for the 10-minute time limit is to discourage loitering, Heinzelman said.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2025
Verb
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In a display of brute aggression, cartel operatives humiliated Mexican officials by forcing the government to release Mr. Guzmán López shortly after he was captured.—
Alan Feuer,
New York Times,
7 May 2025
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But in Trump’s White House, the goal may be simpler—and harder: not getting humiliated.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
5 May 2025
Verb
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During this protest, police intimidated and ultimately beat the strikers, resulting the death of at least six people, according to the American Postal Workers Union.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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Although routine plumbing tasks might seem intimidating, most can be done without a professional.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Restaurateur Tasha Cyril is sometimes frustrated by the popularity of the turkey wings at her scene-centric Buckhead bar and lounge.—
Mike Jordan,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
2 May 2025
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Soon after, news broke that midfield star Gio Reyna — whose lack of utilization was a common talking point during the team’s run — had frustrated his teammates with a lack of effort in training before the opening match against Wales.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Placing the wrong items in the recycling bin can damage recycling equipment or degrade the recycling process.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 May 2025
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Trump stated that the Houthis requested the ceasefire after his administration had successfully degraded the group's capabilities.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Verb
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The king of the forest was once frightened by the sound of a bull.—
John Nemec,
The Conversation,
7 Apr. 2025
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The prospect of returning to the role, first for a West End reprise in February and then for the Brooklyn performance frightened her.—
Alexis Soloski,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Others may develop it after pregnancy, as the muscles and ligaments around the uterus can loosen or weaken.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
10 May 2025
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This weakens their ability to tailor experiences and erodes marketing efficiency.—
Amit Jhawar,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demoralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demoralize. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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