IMPUGNS Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

impugns

verb

present tense third-person singular of impugn

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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of impugns Harbour wants to explain his side of a tabloid story that impugns not just his relationship with a colleague, but his professionalism. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026 None of this impugns Moskowitz’s or Fry’s motives. — Patrick Eddington, Oc Register, 1 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impugns

Verb

What sort of billionaire criticizes another billionaire for giving tons of money to charity?

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
The article criticizes the lack of comparative studies showing firms implementing these remedies outperform similar ones that don't.

— Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of criticizes

Verb

As the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises proceed, North Korea denounces them as invasion rehearsals, launches missiles and vows stronger deterrence, even as analysts say scaling back drills could weaken long-term allied readiness.

— Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
The project denounces Haiti’s justice system through the story of a woman imprisoned for years without trial and later judged not by law, but by scripture.

— Lise Pedersen, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026

Definition of denounces

Verb

The suit, filed in Jackson County Circuit Court, accuses the trainer of abusing the teen — referred to in records as Jane Doe — during the time period of January 2021 and March 2021.

— Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2026
The lawsuit accuses the mayor, city attorney and city manager of preventing commissioners from carrying out their duties, including placing items on the agenda, making motions and voting on city business.

— Chelsea Jones, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of accuses

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impugning

impugns

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“Impugns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugns. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of impugns

verb

Example Sentences

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