as in criticizes
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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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impugns
Verb
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Schiavo raised a similar concern, noting that the National Transportation Safety Board regularly criticizes the Federal Aviation Administration and other regulators for not implementing obvious solutions, even after accidents occur.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026 -
Gigerenzer criticizes them as ethically problematic and argues that public policy should emphasize education over subtle choice manipulation.—
Alejandro Hortal-Sánchez,
The Conversation,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Who one blames depends on their politics.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
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Partly, Tokischa blames management woes.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Morgan Wallen neither embraces nor denounces MAGA, achieving a similar political slipperiness.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
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White frequently denounces Trump on social media, most recently criticizing the president for his racist social media post aimed at the Obamas.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The ongoing lawsuit accuses the defendants of discrimination and perpetuating the social barriers faced by nonwhite runners in the sport.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
20 Apr. 2026
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In addition to negligence, his lawsuit also accuses the producers of intentional infliction of emotional distress.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Yamal condemns anti-Muslim chants Spain signed off for the World Cup on Tuesday with a 0-0 draw against Egypt.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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Pappas’ report, released Monday morning, condemns political leaders — many of them Democrats like herself — for exploiting loopholes in a state law designed to limit real estate tax increases.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Impugns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugns. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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