1
as in paralyzing
to deprive of courage or confidence
the mere sight of the forbidding cliffs demoralized the climbers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frustrating
to lessen the courage or confidence of
we refused to be demoralized by our humiliating defeat and vowed to come roaring back the following week
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in degrading
to lower in character, dignity, or quality
felt society as a whole has been demoralized by the widespread availability of pornography
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in discouraging
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of demoralizing
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
The Indianapolis City-County Council is nearing a key vote that will end in either a demoralizing defeat for Google or the city approving a major data center against the wishes of the councilor and residents on the southeast side of the city.
—Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 19 Sep. 2025
What was meant to be motivating becomes demoralizing.
—George Bradt, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
To start the season 0-2 can be a bit demoralizing.
—Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
To have all that flipped on its side, turned around 180 degrees and made to seem dark and sinister, that's very demoralizing and heartbreaking.
—Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Watching what’s unfolding around us can be demoralizing.
—Stacey Abrams, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
Kyle Schwarber unwrapped tape from his forearms after the latest setback, a demoralizing 6-5 defeat to the New York Mets.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering the upcoming season with title aspirations after suffering a demoralizing series loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, after earning the first seed.
—Gavin Groe, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
The first came at a demoralizing time for the Patriots’ offense.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
The Indianapolis City-County Council is nearing a key vote that will end in either a demoralizing defeat for Google or the city approving a major data center against the wishes of the councilor and residents on the southeast side of the city.
—Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 19 Sep. 2025
What was meant to be motivating becomes demoralizing.
—George Bradt, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
To start the season 0-2 can be a bit demoralizing.
—Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
To have all that flipped on its side, turned around 180 degrees and made to seem dark and sinister, that's very demoralizing and heartbreaking.
—Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Watching what’s unfolding around us can be demoralizing.
—Stacey Abrams, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
Kyle Schwarber unwrapped tape from his forearms after the latest setback, a demoralizing 6-5 defeat to the New York Mets.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering the upcoming season with title aspirations after suffering a demoralizing series loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, after earning the first seed.
—Gavin Groe, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demoralizing
Verb
-
The pressure Alex, who is endowed by Martin with endearing softness and paralyzing self-doubt, feels to be a brave cop, a strong father, and the righteous hero of this story can’t be separated from his experience as a trans man still honing his relationship to masculinity.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
25 Sep. 2025
-
By contrast, maybe such language engenders a sense of defeatism, a belief in the inevitability of collapse which is collectively paralyzing.—
Ed Simon
September 24,
Literary Hub,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In fact, immunization is a dicey-enough financial proposition that the administration’s anti-vaccine policies already are discouraging providers from stocking some immunizations.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Before her groundbreaking discoveries made headlines around the world, Goodall endured long, discouraging stretches in the field.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Carbon capture challenges Hiegel explained that carbon capture remains hindered by high energy demands, poor flexibility with industrial loads, costly infrastructure requirements, and health and safety risks from degrading chemicals, all of which slow its adaptability.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Over time, these substances may infiltrate groundwater, creating serious long-term health concerns, degrading habitats, and endangering communities that rely on those resources.—
Michaela Rychetska,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
At the end of the day, the result was a bit disheartening.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Seeing that textbook go to waste felt very disheartening.—
Sami Khan,
Mercury News,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Instances of swatting have been plaguing the nation for years, with fake shooting threats frightening the public and forcing schools, hospitals, grocery stores, office buildings, and airports into temporary lockdowns.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
This announcement, humiliating the involved member, is harmful.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
Oc Register,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The french fries had a disconcerting astringency, like they’d been dusted in the same stuff that’s put on Hint of Lime Tostitos.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
22 Sep. 2025
-
But the evidence lately is disconcerting.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Guided Stargazing Tours Stargazing in a new-to-you location can feel intimidating.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The molasses-like appearance can initially seem intimidating, but the sweetness and richness of flavor is truly unique.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demoralizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demoralizing. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share