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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Recent Examples of impugning
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
U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impugning
Verb
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The reaction to Noack's viral Instagram post has been overwhelming, with many people criticizing her and her parenting style.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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The dispute also drew in renowned rabblerouser Wack 100, who defended Adam22 while criticizing Styles’ stance.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The pattern of blaming star players, whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Marcus Rashford, is looking foolish, and the side has plummeted in form.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Wenger was supposed to go on trial with Amiri, but just two days in, his lawyer, Nicole Lopes, insisted on a mistrial blaming her law firm and struggles with mental health.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Hoffman, the lawmaker who was shot and wounded in June, and his family also issued a statement denouncing Kirk’s death.—
Mark Vancleave,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
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He was dismissed from the show that March after publicly denouncing series creator Chuck Lorre, and Kutcher was officially named as his replacement in May.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Republicans were unfazed by Democrats threatening to withhold their votes, accusing them of hypocrisy for condemning GOP efforts to win policy concessions in past funding battles.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
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Ben & Jerry's filed another lawsuit in 2024 accusing Unilever of attempting to silence its support for Palestinian refugees.—
Hugh Cameron
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Democrats have responded by condemning Kirk's assassination and all political violence, which has become increasingly common against members of both parties and individuals of all stripes.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impugning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugning. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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