as in to criticize
formal
to criticize (a person's character, intentions, etc.) by suggesting that someone is not honest and should not be trusted
He impugned his rival's character. Her motives have been scrutinized and impugned.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of impugn
Some of the officials involved have embraced a tactic of impugning Goldberg as a strawman diversion from the real controversy.
—
Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Berman stressed that the investigation itself does not impugn Montoya or Bay FC.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
Rather, it is being used to impugn Baldoni's character and demonstrate malicious intent on his part.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
The issue here is not to impugn the individual Catholics who are decent people and who contribute to a more just society.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impugn
Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Berman stressed that the investigation itself does not impugn Montoya or Bay FC.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
Rather, it is being used to impugn Baldoni's character and demonstrate malicious intent on his part.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
The issue here is not to impugn the individual Catholics who are decent people and who contribute to a more just society.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impugn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impugn
Verb
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The prince was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein's victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Andrew was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein’s victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But some Republicans blamed Newsom for the freeway closure, calling it an over-reaction.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Now, blaming the shutdown, the Education Department is trying to lay off an additional 465 people, cutting deeply into multiple offices.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In fact, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Reid Hoffman have denounced work-life balance.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
19 Oct. 2025
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The Kansas Republican Party denounced the two leaders of the Kansas Young Republicans, chair Alex Dwyer and vice chair William Hendrix, for their involvement.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This comes almost a year after Maccabi supporters were beaten and injured in violent clashes in Amsterdam ahead of a Europa League game against Ajax, which Dutch authorities condemned as antisemitic.—
Amy Woodyatt,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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The Minnesota Vikings condemned the vile racist message defensive back Isaiah Rodgers received following the team’s 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The opposition accuses Fico of eroding democratic standards, media freedom, and covering up corruption.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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Moynihan was accused of removing pages from the notebook and taking photos with his phone.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impugn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugn. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
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