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
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
Targets often accuse short sellers of impugning their reputation for financial gain.
—Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
For example, opposition forces, led by Lee, have ruthlessly attacked the first lady, stirring mass protests and impugning her character.
—Victor Cha, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for impugn
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
Targets often accuse short sellers of impugning their reputation for financial gain.
—Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
For example, opposition forces, led by Lee, have ruthlessly attacked the first lady, stirring mass protests and impugning her character.
—Victor Cha, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for impugn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impugn
Verb
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Rather than opt for a two-year extension of the current lease, which has been criticized by some residents since it was signed in 1997, the Bengals and the county agreed on a new 11-year lease.—
Erin Glynn,
The Enquirer,
2 Aug. 2025
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The comedian and political commentator has long criticized late-night hosts like Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Since assuming office, Carr has frequently argued that the FCC has a stake in ensuring that local stations maintain community trust, and also that the national networks are to blame for a decline in trust.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
30 July 2025
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Trump has blamed India's high tariffs on imports for the trade deficit.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Arab states are now publicly condemning Hamas’ violence and calling for an end to its control of Gaza, a shift from their previous positions.—
Faisal J. Abbas,
semafor.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Multiple Virginia Republicans, including Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, condemned the act of violence and offered their prayers for Vogler and his family.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
31 July 2025
Verb
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In a separate matter in California, the DMV has accused Tesla of misleading consumers about the capabilities of its driver assistance systems, previously marketed under the names Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (or FSD).—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
26 July 2025
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During the live chat with Yuen on Facebook, Sasha Gong, another person targeted by the bounties, accused Hong Kong of becoming a police state.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impugn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugn. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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