1
as in to reduce
to bring to a lower grade or rank
the view that such a system degrades doctors to the status of medical employees who ultimately are not in charge of their patients' health care
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to deteriorate
to lower in character, dignity, or quality
degrading the school's animal mascot with a silly costume
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3
as in to humiliate
to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes
the players degraded themselves with their crude antics off the field
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of degrade
During this storm, some space weather forecasters reported temporary data dropouts, likely caused by intense proton fluxes degrading spacecraft measurements.
—
Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026
University of Chicago researchers turned battery failures into a method to degrade PFAS in water.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 2026
The upper-end medical alert products employ GPS augmented cellular triangulation and Wi-Fi positioning to sustain location accuracy even in environments where the GPS signal is degraded or lost.
—Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026
Bear in mind that anti-transpirants tend to degrade rapidly and will therefore need to be reapplied after rain or significant snowfall.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for degrade
Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026
University of Chicago researchers turned battery failures into a method to degrade PFAS in water.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 2026
The upper-end medical alert products employ GPS augmented cellular triangulation and Wi-Fi positioning to sustain location accuracy even in environments where the GPS signal is degraded or lost.
—Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026
Bear in mind that anti-transpirants tend to degrade rapidly and will therefore need to be reapplied after rain or significant snowfall.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for degrade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degrade
Verb
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This comes at a time when there has been talk of reducing the number of PGA tournaments on the calendar.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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The cross-border clearing platform could streamline operations, reducing risks in OTC trades that dominate the market.—
Sean Lee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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By that measure, expect the roads to deteriorate Sunday late afternoon and become snow-covered shortly after dark.—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
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The relationship further deteriorated after Buss reportedly felt that James wasn’t appreciative of the team’s efforts to bring his son, Bronny, on board, according to the report.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And videotaping it to humiliate them.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Dec. 2025
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She had never been arrested before and felt humiliated when her mugshot was plastered all over the news after her arrest.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Those are more enticing routes for Finch to take than demoting a struggling Randle last season to promote a struggling Reid.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
21 Jan. 2026
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The Pentagon followed up by opening an investigation into Kelly, with Hegseth threatening to demote the Arizona Democrat and reduce his retirement pay.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When leaders visibly adjust decisions based on input, silence weakens.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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Wet wipes contain alcohol and chemicals that strip natural oils, damage materials like leather, and weaken shoe adhesives.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Supporters of Pahlavi were particularly vocal in Mashhad this month, as attested by the prevalence of pro-monarchy graffiti on city walls, and the regime’s propaganda devoted particular attention to discrediting the former crown prince.—
Davood Moradian,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
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Mayers said one lawful action should not be used to discredit another lawful action.—
Steve Karnowski,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Tariffs, conquests; all are subverted to this man’s ego.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
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The effort to subvert the election was also a warning of things to come.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Perhaps the Germans have a word for the experience of watching your country’s leader embarrass himself and the country on the global stage.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
21 Jan. 2026
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The Pats are returning to the AFC Championship Game on a road paved by their defense, a defense that snatched four interceptions and embarrassed a precocious young quarterback.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Degrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degrade. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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