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
• salute
• hail
• highlight
• promote
• ennoble
• acclaim
• dignify
• glorify
• fete
• enshrine
• magnify
• enthrone
• play up
• raise
• advance
• lift
• spotlight
• uplift
• upgrade
• boost
• idealize
• 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

Freddy Krueger debases the suburban American ideal through the dreams of teenagers in Nightmare on Elm Street. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025

For decades, bartenders have been defaming the Mai Tai, debasing it, making and selling versions of the drink that were childish and incomplex, saccharine and flat. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025

Unlike bonds, which promise repayment of the primary investment at a future date, warranting demands for higher yields to offset inflation concerns, gold is a physical asset that cannot be debased by fiscal mismanagement or political interference. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025

Fiat currencies experience something similar when faith in governments’ balance sheets fails, and while Bitcoin can’t be debased, other shocks could trigger a comparable loss of trust. —Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025