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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This third point is particularly important when there is an outspoken founder in the wings like Chip Wilson who has been publicly criticizing board decisions.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
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Since a shooting by an ICE agent in Minnesota killed a woman earlier this week, Martina Navratilova has shared dozens of X posts criticizing him and others in ICE.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The next day, in an email, Wynn appears to explain, blaming a dollar figure for teachers’ benefits that was mistakenly counted twice.—
Jennifer Palmer,
Oklahoma Watch,
9 Jan. 2026
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Discussions about the strike and closure online often turn ugly and devolve into blaming one side or the other.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Later in the day, after being criticized from some corners for not denouncing Hamas specifically, Mamdani went further.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
10 Jan. 2026
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Despite the 12-day Israeli war on Iran last summer, figures on all sides of the political spectrum came together in a rare show of unity, denouncing Israel for striking their country.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The decision was a significant win for the town leadership, which has been under political fire from a band of detractors accusing it of being secretive and ignoring the will of voters.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
7 Jan. 2026
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The 36-year-old ex-offensive tackle filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, accusing the 33-year-old model of invasion of privacy and unjust enrichment, according court documents obtained by TMZ Sports.—
Jami Ganz,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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After condemning political violence in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death, Tisdale defended what many online considered to be a tribute to the conservative activist.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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On Thursday, though, Staios released an explosive statement condemning those who continue to spread stories or add to the spiraling rumor mill.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impugning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugning. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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