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

Every sports league is better with a bad guy, and Reese subtly demeaning Clark is a brilliant marketing ploy. —Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2025

The Ramirez cartoon demeans these hardworking Americans whose earnings leave them unable to afford private health insurance and perpetuates the fiction that Medicaid recipients are freeloaders. —Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025

Cruelty Is Mistaken For Emotional Depth In emotionally intense relationships, demeaning behavior is often reframed as emotional honesty. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025

The sudden loss of a job that is appreciated worldwide, but demeaned by many in their homeland, is devastating, Justus said. —Terry Collins, USA Today, 20 May 2025

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