1
as in corrupting
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in humiliating
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in degrading
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in perverted
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in debasement
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debasing
Verb
-
Boston Metal The key to the success of the recent test that led to the creation of a ton of molten metal is Boston Metal's inert anode which can drive the electrical process in the reactor without degrading.—
Michael Franco,
New Atlas,
13 Mar. 2025 -
The other reason is that our news ecosystem is rapidly degrading, particularly online.—
Jeffrey Blehar,
National Review,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Trump tried to claim that media reports about his administration’s early conclusions were somehow demeaning attacks on the performance of our military.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
-
Loss of community trust Trans and nonbinary people have often been studied under opportunistic and demeaning circumstances.—
Paz Galupo,
The Conversation,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
Jeff is a bit of a voyeur or peeping Tom, though not in a perverted way.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
These were the years in which capitalism shed its pitiless light on the absurd British soul, with its deep striations of caste and station, its postcolonial taint, most of all its perverted emotional core, full of love and loathing for its own extremes of domination and servitude.—
Rachel Cusk,
Harper's Magazine,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Poor data quality can provide wrong models and alerts, discrediting predictive monitoring.—
Hrushikesh Deshmukh,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Johnson released new guidelines for reporting gifts Wednesday after discrediting the investigation.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The incursion was a humiliating blow to the Kremlin — the first time the country’s territory was occupied by an invader since World War II.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 July 2025
-
Fortunately, the comedic characters liven things up, especially Josh Carpenter’s performance as Malvolio, steward to Olivia and the brunt of a humiliating prank.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
When caterpillars retreat to their cocoons, part of the process of transformation can be aesthetically unbecoming and grotesque.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
There were a lot of memorable performances and moments for the Blue Jackets, who bounced back quickly after having their seven-game point streak snapped in a rather unbecoming outing Monday against the New York Islanders.—
Aaron Portzline,
The Athletic,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The use of obscene or profane language, personal attack, libel, slander, defamation, physical violence or the threat thereof, as determined by the presiding officer, shall constitute a disturbing a lawful meeting.—
Sharon Coolidge,
The Enquirer,
3 July 2025
-
Using vulgar or profane language loudly in the presence of children.—
Ashley Fredde,
Idaho Statesman,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
In 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey reported that projected coral reef degradation in Florida could increase the coastal flood risk to more than 7,300 people at the cost of $823.6 million annually.—
Rafe Pomerance,
Sun Sentinel,
6 July 2025
-
The administration cited the degradation of the current FBI complex as a reason for the move.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Debasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debasing. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share