Synonyms of demeans

demeans 1 of 2

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of demean

1

as in degrades

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

• degrades
• humiliates
• weakens
• corrupts
• subverts
• debases
• deteriorates
• dilutes
• destroys
• cheapens
• perverts
• lessens
• poisons
• demoralizes
• prostitutes
• disgraces
• vitiates
• debauches
• pollutes
• abases
• damages
• shames
• profanes
• bastardizes
• depraves
• taints
• hurts
• humbles
• ruins
• impairs
• warps
• dishonors
• mars
• harms
• contaminates
• thins
• defiles
• dirties
• tarnishes
• cankers
• waters down
• spoils
• flaws
• wrecks
• descends
• defaces
• depreciates
• befouls
• begrimes
• stains
• takes down
• downgrades
• blemishes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• elevates
• ennobles
• uplifts
• improves
• exalts
• dignifies
• enhances
• honors
• enriches
• ameliorates
• restores
• amends
• clarifies
• perfects
• refines
• cleans
• respects
• betters
• purifies
• cleanses
• meliorates

2

as in humiliates

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

• humiliates
• discredits
• embarrasses
• degrades
• shames
• humbles
• dishonors
• confuses
• debases
• disgraces
• cheapens
• insults
• diminishes
• lowers
• criticizes
• chastens
• abases
• rattles
• belittles
• ridicules
• disparages
• takes down
• detracts
• minimizes
• mortifies
• sinks
• fouls
• maligns
• confounds
• disconcerts
• defames
• smirches
• decries
• condemns
• depreciates
• castigates
• discomfits
• defiles
• flusters
• slanders
• fazes
• discounts
• denounces
• affronts
• libels
• discountenances
• nonplusses
• bad-mouths
• writes off
• abashes
• damns
• nonpluses
• censures
• puts down
• cries down
• execrates
• reprehends
• reprobates

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exalts
• elevates
• deifies
• celebrates
• commends
• recognizes
• aggrandizes
• cites
• acknowledges
• applauds
• extols
• boasts
• decorates
• canonizes
• honors
• lauds
• congratulates
• praises
• salutes
• hails
• cheers
• touts
• eulogizes
• compliments
• extolls
• acclaims
• dignifies
• highlights
• ennobles
• promotes
• fetes
• glorifies
• enshrines
• magnifies
• spotlights
• advances
• uplifts
• lifts
• raises
• enthrones
• plays up
• boosts
• fêtes
• idealizes
• romanticizes
• upgrades
• enskies

demeans

2 of 2

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of demean

as in behaves

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

• behaves
• carries
• acquits
• restrains
• conducts
• composes
• contains
• handles
• comports
• inhibits
• deports
• collects
• quits
• constrains
• represses
• bears
• modulates
• curbs
• plays
• controls
• quiets
• checks
• moderates
• acts
• impersonates
• tempers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misbehaves
• carries on
• cuts up
• acts up
• misconducts

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of demeans

Verb

That conflict comes to a head in the middle of campus in the film’s most intense scene, as Alma verbally belittles and demeans her until Maggie snaps and suddenly smacks her mentor. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025

That’s another lazy phrase that demeans the dynamic of sport. —Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025