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
• debases
• confuses
• disgraces
• cheapens
• insults
• diminishes
• lowers
• criticizes
• chastens
• abases
• rattles
• belittles
• ridicules
• disparages
• takes down
• detracts
• minimizes
• mortifies
• sinks
• fouls
• maligns
• confounds
• disconcerts
• defames
• decries
• smirches
• condemns
• depreciates
• castigates
• discomfits
• defiles
• flusters
• slanders
• fazes
• discounts
• denounces
• affronts
• libels
• discountenances
• 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
• boasts
• extols
• decorates
• canonizes
• honors
• lauds
• congratulates
• praises
• salutes
• hails
• cheers
• touts
• eulogizes
• compliments
• acclaims
• dignifies
• highlights
• ennobles
• promotes
• fetes
• glorifies
• enshrines
• magnifies
• spotlights
• advances
• uplifts
• lifts
• raises
• enthrones
• plays up
• boosts
• 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

Most frustratingly, the secret traitor demeans us, the audience. — Raven Smith, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026

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