Synonyms of demean

demean 1 of 2

verb (1)

di-ˈmēn 

1

as in to degrade

to lower in character, dignity, or quality

it demeans the political process to demand that candidates make promises that everyone knows are unrealistic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to humiliate

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

his statement was not meant to demean the group's hard work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

demean

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to behave

to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way

I shall endeavor to demean myself with utmost respect when our pastor comes to visit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• behave
• carry
• acquit
• restrain
• conduct
• handle
• compose
• contain
• comport
• deport
• quit
• inhibit
• constrain
• collect
• bear
• control
• check
• curb
• play
• repress
• temper
• act
• quiet
• moderate
• modulate
• impersonate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misconduct
• carry on
• cut up
• misbehave
• act up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of demean

Verb

In the future Firestone dared to imagine, families would be replaced by collectives, children would have autonomy, pregnancy would occur outside the body, and work would be fulfilling rather than demeaning. —Audrey Wollen, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

Doral’s Blue Monster demeans itself. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2025

Doral’s Blue Monster demeans itself. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2025

Insults and demeaning remarks against immigrants have seemingly peaked in recent years and are inescapable. —Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2025

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