as in criticizing
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impugning
Verb
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams has peppered his reelection campaign with AI photos and videos criticizing his opponents, in some of the first indications of how the technology will be integrated into politics.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
5 Sep. 2025 -
It's believed that Sczczerek chose to share the statement from his business' social media account after the company was flooded with negative reviews criticizing his behavior.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The elaborate deception also was concealed by blaming the chaos of the pandemic as well as the Hollywood labor strikes, which roiled real production cycles during this period.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
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Netanyahu has repeatedly attempted to deflect responsibility for the security lapses during the attacks of October 7, 2023, blaming security chiefs instead.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Alongside Russia and China, Iran issued a joint letter denouncing European efforts to reimpose United Nations snapback sanctions.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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Camus is also denouncing the justice system in this book, right?—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But surveys have also shown many reservists are unhappy with the cabinet's plans, some openly accusing the government of lacking a cohesive strategy, a post-war plan for Gaza or a clear benchmark for victory.—
Emily Rose,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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Trump's proposal for a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy -- an idea the Kremlin has repeatedly dodged since the two men last met in 2019 -- has yet to come to fruition, with Kyiv accusing Moscow of continued evasion.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While condemning Hamas, Nadler reiterated his support for a two-state Palestinian solution, while rejecting claims that Israel is committing genocide.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
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The move is described as a political signal also aimed at condemning Israel's settlement expansion and military presence in the territories.—
Mrinmay Dey,
USA Today,
2 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Impugning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugning. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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