impugn

verb

Definition of impugnnext
as in to criticize
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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Example Sentences

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 impugn This is a political tactic of the most crude sort, making no effort to refute an argument but to instead impugn the motives of those making it, along with the assumption that people with white skin can always and forever have only suspect motives. — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026 Cohen still got disciplined for lack of diligence, impugning the qualifications and integrity of a judge, and engaging in conduct that’s prejudicial to the administration of justice. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2026 So the markets are the ultimate arbiter of over whether the Fed’s independence is being impugned. — NBC news, 18 Jan. 2026 Paltrow gives a curiously pulseless performance that might have impugned some of her blossoming star power had Hush opened when it was supposed to. — Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 25 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impugn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impugn
  1. criticize
  2. blame
  3. denounce
  4. condemn
  5. accuse
Verb
  • The move came days after Stephens publicly criticized EMCC and Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference leadership over changes to the league’s football schedule and playoff format.
    — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also defended the decision to increase bond purchases earlier last month, after investor Stanley Druckenmiller criticized the move.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • Heaping credit onto Espada is dangerous, but so is blaming him for every game that goes awry.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • That war ended in a humiliating defeat by an enemy regarded as much weaker, and many tsarist officials blamed the outcome on Japanese spies and saboteurs.
    — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of blame
Verb
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was blindsided on Tuesday when two members of his caucus voted with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to put a resolution denouncing socialism on the floor for a full vote.
    — Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026
  • During the news conference, Sheinbaum denounced the idea that the music contest was a form of censorship.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of denounce
Verb
  • There, the tyrannical February has condemned its inhabitants to eternal winter and forbids them from flying, while a masked resistance movement known as The Solution fights to restore light and freedom.
    — Alexandra Patterson, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
  • His government has consistently avoided criticizing Morocco, but Sánchez condemned comments from two Moroccan ministers questioning the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla, another Spain's other territory in North Africa.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of condemn
Verb
  • In May 2020, Loughlin and Mossimo pleaded guilty to wire and mail fraud after they were accused of paying $500,000 for their daughters’ admission into the University of Southern California.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Joe accuses Nathan of being insecure; Nathan throws the accusation back.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of accuse

Browse Nearby Words

impudently
impugn
impugned
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Cite this Entry

“Impugn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugn. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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