1
as in paralyzing
to deprive of courage or confidence
the mere sight of the forbidding cliffs demoralized the climbers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of demoralizing
Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
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
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
Juzang went 6-for-8 from 3-point range in a 135-134 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, igniting the Wolves after a demoralizing first half against the defending Eastern Conference champions.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
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
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
-
Discipline without optimism is paralyzing.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Shortly after Henry’s death, Augusta suffered two paralyzing strokes, intensifying her and Ed’s isolated, co-dependent relationship before her death in 1945.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Trump is attacking immigration at both ends of spectrum, deporting low-wage laborers and discouraging skilled foreigners from bringing their talents to the United States.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
18 Oct. 2025
-
In many faith traditions, mental health can be a stigmatized topic, discouraging open dialogue for those struggling with issues like depression or anxiety.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The alliance should also increase its training with an eye toward degrading or destroying the Kaliningrad facilities should direct hostilities break out.—
James Stavridis,
Twin Cities,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The research revealed a strong correlation between microbial plastic-degrading potential and global plastic pollution levels, suggesting bacteria are adapting to what’s available.—
Tejasri Gururaj,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Oct. 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
-
Kids will love sending this Dilophosaurus sauntering across the floor, frightening everything and everyone in his path.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
-
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
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This announcement, humiliating the involved member, is harmful.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
Oc Register,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The result was a disconcerting 31-28 loss that relegated the Chiefs to 2-3 and leaves us to question anew just who and what this team is.—
Chris Ochsner,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Overall, more disconcerting for staffers at the network are Paramount’s plans for significant layoffs later this year.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
After back-to-back relegations and a tepid start to League One, this once upbeat and intimidating stadium had gone stale.—
Kaya Kaynak,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Giant skeletons, scarecrows and spooky décor in intimidating sizes are a growing trend.—
Ramon Padilla,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demoralizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demoralizing. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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