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
This is a political tactic of the most crude sort, making no effort to refute an argument but to instead impugn the motives of those making it, along with the assumption that people with white skin can always and forever have only suspect motives.
—
Bradley Gitz,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
So the markets are the ultimate arbiter of over whether the Fed’s independence is being impugned.
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NBC news,
18 Jan. 2026
The school board argued that Pickering’s statements were false and that the reputation of the district and its employees had been impugned.
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Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
22 Sep. 2025
Ehlers’ duty as a public official includes upholding and respecting the legal process, not impugning it.
—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impugn
Bradley Gitz,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
So the markets are the ultimate arbiter of over whether the Fed’s independence is being impugned.
—
NBC news,
18 Jan. 2026
The school board argued that Pickering’s statements were false and that the reputation of the district and its employees had been impugned.
—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
22 Sep. 2025
Ehlers’ duty as a public official includes upholding and respecting the legal process, not impugning it.
—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impugn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impugn
Verb
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The program posed a massive political problem for Mamdani, who’s been criticized by both his allies and opponents for his stance.
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While state studies have criticized the state’s education governance model, voters have rejected at least four attempts dating back to 1928 to reform the position.
Verb
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Before the earthquakes, the government generally defended its national health system as robust, blaming shortcomings on sanctions imposed by the United States.
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This ruling compels companies to confront systemic biases embedded in their hiring data, rather than solely blaming technology.
Verb
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True Americans are committed to defending the Constitution while denouncing any president who wants to thrash it.
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Several Gulf countries have strongly denounced Iran's drone strikes Saturday on the island nation of Bahrain, while vowing to stand united against any possible aggression from Tehran in the future.
Verb
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The Department of Licenses and Inspections responded to the scene and condemned the house, which sustained considerable damage.
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While Washington blamed Iran and condemned the attack, Gulf states were left with lingering questions about the extent of American willingness to confront Tehran on their behalf.
Verb
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Officials accused her in the letter of violating the university’s time, place and manner policy, which sets rules on free speech activities on campus.
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On Monday, Republicans accused the majority party of continuing to saddle the state government with debt and Californians with high taxes and costs of living.
Cite this Entry
“Impugn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugn. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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