Synonyms of impugning

impugning

verb

present participle of impugn

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.

Related Words

• criticizing
• blaming
• denouncing
• accusing
• condemning
• appealing
• prosecuting
• trying
• citing
• implicating
• summoning
• indicting
• faulting
• impeaching
• censuring
• castigating
• defaming
• calling (on)
• reproaching
• damning
• incriminating
• charging
• chiding
• taxing
• rebuking
• criminating
• reprobating
• naming
• reproving
• framing
• reporting
• suing
• arraigning
• booking
• retaliating
• informing (against)
• inculpating
• recriminating

Dissimilar Words

• defending
• advocating
• championing
• justifying
• excusing
• forgiving
• remitting
• pardoning
• vindicating
• exonerating
• clearing
• acquitting
• exculpating
• absolving
• shriving

Example Sentences

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