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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Instead of criticizing yourself for not following through, get curious.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Oct. 2025
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Trump has argued the White House needs a large entertaining space, criticizing the past practice of presidents hosting state dinners and other large events in tents on the South Lawn.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Houston leaders have downplayed the possibility of a serial killer following a rash of recent deaths involving the city's 2,500 miles of bayous, with Mayor John Whitmire blaming homelessness and substance abuse.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
29 Oct. 2025
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Still, more broadly, Republicans are blaming Democrats for the SNAP cuts.—
Zach Halaschak,
The Washington Examiner,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, also apologized to Epstein for publicly denouncing him.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
24 Oct. 2025
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In her later years, she became known as an outspoken activist for animal rights and for voicing strong, controversial opinions — such as denouncing the #MeToo movement in 2018.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In the years since that race, Gaines has established herself as an unofficial face of conservative attacks on the NCAA, joining a March 2024 lawsuit accusing the association of violating Title IX by allowing trans athletes to compete.—
Abby Monteil,
Them.,
28 Oct. 2025
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The election was triggered in June when Wilders abruptly withdrew support from the governing coalition, accusing his partners of blocking his proposal to halt all asylum migration.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In response, hundreds of actors signed an open letter condemning the decision, including Paapa Essiedu, who is slated to play Severus Snape in the upcoming HBO Max television adaptation of Harry Potter.—
Quispe López,
Them.,
30 Oct. 2025
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The American Jewish Committee, one of the country’s most influential Jewish advocacy groups, took the unusual step of issuing a formal statement condemning Mamdani’s language.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impugning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugning. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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