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 Israeli military later posted a second message in Farsi, noting the head of Iran's judiciary was at the rally and criticizing Iran for blocking many from seeing their warning, as authorities in Iran have almost completely shut down internet access.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
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The Israeli military later posted a second message in Farsi, noting the head of Iran’s judiciary was at the rally and criticizing Iran for blocking many from seeing their warning.—
Jon Gambrell,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mamdani and other officials have warned the city is in dire financial straits, largely blaming chronic underbudgeting under the previous mayoral administration.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
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The villagers start blaming the recluse ‘witch’ of the village who is known to practice black magic.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But there were also reports of protests in some parts of Iran on Sunday denouncing the war and calling for retribution.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
1 Mar. 2026
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Paris also saw a small counter-protest Sunday by left-wing groups denouncing ″American imperialism″ and warning of broader war.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The attacks have angered Nigerians, with many accusing President Bola Tinubu's government and the ruling party of prioritizing next year's presidential election, in which Tinubu is expected to seek reelection.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
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Since October, Rivera said, her law firm has filed hundreds of habeas corpus lawsuits accusing the federal government of illegally detaining immigrants.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But while Leo has refrained from condemning the war, his bishops have not.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Mar. 2026
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International backlash has intensified, with the United Nations General Assembly condemning Israel’s campaign and aid blockade, and groups like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Oxfam and Save the Children alleging serious legal violations.—
Ken Barnes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impugning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugning. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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