Synonyms of debase

debase

verb

di-ˈbās 

1

as in to degrade

to lower in character, dignity, or quality

we debase ourselves when we adopt the moral code and behavior of our despised enemies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• degrade
• humiliate
• subvert
• weaken
• demean
• corrupt
• debauch
• deteriorate
• dilute
• destroy
• poison
• pervert
• cheapen
• bastardize
• deprave
• abase
• ruin
• vitiate
• lessen
• demoralize
• pollute
• prostitute
• damage
• disgrace
• mar
• contaminate
• taint
• impair
• profane
• warp
• shame
• hurt
• humble
• dirty
• canker
• defile
• harm
• dishonor
• spoil
• thin
• tarnish
• water down
• wreck
• befoul
• deface
• flaw
• descend
• depreciate
• stain
• begrime
• take down
• downgrade
• blemish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• elevate
• improve
• exalt
• honor
• uplift
• ennoble
• better
• enhance
• amend
• enrich
• perfect
• ameliorate
• dignify
• restore
• refine
• clarify
• purify
• clean
• cleanse
• respect
• meliorate

2

as in to humiliate

to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes

our failure to win a single game completely debased us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• humiliate
• discredit
• degrade
• embarrass
• demean
• confuse
• humble
• cheapen
• shame
• dishonor
• disgrace
• abase
• insult
• chasten
• rattle
• diminish
• criticize
• take down
• lower
• smirch
• foul
• disparage
• minimize
• belittle
• mortify
• ridicule
• detract
• sink
• disconcert
• depreciate
• confound
• discountenance
• defame
• malign
• condemn
• decry
• defile
• faze
• castigate
• slander
• libel
• fluster
• discount
• denounce
• discomfit
• abash
• affront
• write off
• nonplus
• put down
• bad-mouth
• cry down
• censure
• damn
• execrate
• reprehend
• reprobate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• elevate
• exalt
• aggrandize
• honor
• recognize
• commend
• deify
• celebrate
• cite
• canonize
• acknowledge
• boast
• applaud
• extol
• decorate
• congratulate
• laud
• cheer
• compliment
• tout
• praise
• eulogize
• extoll
• salute
• hail
• highlight
• promote
• ennoble
• acclaim
• dignify
• glorify
• enshrine
• magnify
• enthrone
• play up
• raise
• advance
• lift
• spotlight
• uplift
• upgrade
• fete
• boost
• idealize
• fête
• romanticize
• ensky

Synonym Chooser

How is the word debase different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of debase are corrupt, debauch, deprave, pervert, and vitiate. While all these words mean "to cause deterioration or lowering in quality or character," debase implies a loss of position, worth, value, or dignity.

commercialism has debased the holiday

In what contexts can corrupt take the place of debase?

The words corrupt and debase can be used in similar contexts, but corrupt implies loss of soundness, purity, or integrity.

the belief that bureaucratese corrupts the language

When is it sensible to use debauch instead of debase?

The words debauch and debase are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, debauch implies a debasing through sensual indulgence.

the long stay on a tropical isle had debauched the ship's crew

Where would deprave be a reasonable alternative to debase?

While in some cases nearly identical to debase, deprave implies moral deterioration by evil thoughts or influences.

the claim that society is depraved by pornography

When would pervert be a good substitute for debase?

The meanings of pervert and debase largely overlap; however, pervert implies a twisting or distorting from what is natural or normal.

perverted the original goals of the institute

When is vitiate a more appropriate choice than debase?

While the synonyms vitiate and debase are close in meaning, vitiate implies a destruction of purity, validity, or effectiveness by allowing entrance of a fault or defect.

a foreign policy vitiated by partisanship

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of debase

At its most depraved level, this is get-rich-quick music; these artist-grifters are like sycophantic workers debasing themselves for the Big Boss Algorithm. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 21 May 2025

An office that demands wisdom and restraint is now debased with churlish impulsivity, rambling incoherency and overt grift. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025

His illuminating backstage account of cable news describes thoughtful journalists debasing themselves in their scramble to retain straying viewers. —Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025

This is what distinguishes bitcoin from every other modern financial asset – like gold, it cannot be debased by fiat or easily censored. —Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025