1
as in to degrade
to lower in character, dignity, or quality
we debase ourselves when we adopt the moral code and behavior of our despised enemies
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to humiliate
to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes
our failure to win a single game completely debased us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in degradation
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior
the debasement of professional sports to a shamelessly commercial enterprise
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debase
Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024
After the second-longest bout of hyperinflation on record anywhere (with 45 months in hyperinflationary conditions between 2017 and 2021), the government is preparing to further debase the bolivar, the nation’s ailing currency.
—Moisés Naím, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2021
By that time – perhaps only a decade from now, perhaps longer – the dollar may have been debased so badly that one bitcoin might be priced at $1 trillion or more.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024
Bitcoin’s edge over gold lies in its unparalleled scarcity and technological attributes—a mix between a tech stock and gold that cannot be debased and can settle globally in minutes.
—Ansel Lindner, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for debase 
Verb
Christ reduced to a potato chip, debased and vilified like two thousand years ago.
—Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024
After the second-longest bout of hyperinflation on record anywhere (with 45 months in hyperinflationary conditions between 2017 and 2021), the government is preparing to further debase the bolivar, the nation’s ailing currency.
—Moisés Naím, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2021
By that time – perhaps only a decade from now, perhaps longer – the dollar may have been debased so badly that one bitcoin might be priced at $1 trillion or more.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024
Bitcoin’s edge over gold lies in its unparalleled scarcity and technological attributes—a mix between a tech stock and gold that cannot be debased and can settle globally in minutes.
—Ansel Lindner, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for debase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debase
Verb
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This action further degrades ISIS's ability to plot and conduct terrorist attacks threatening U.S. citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians.—
Michael Dorgan,
Fox News,
1 Feb. 2025
-
Throbbing and thumping bass frequencies, which are harder to tame than higher frequencies like splashy cymbals and twangy guitars, will typically degrade the audio quality in smaller rooms.—
Parker Hall,
WIRED,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This revelation doesn't go over well with Slowik, who humiliates Tyler, leading to Tyler's suicide.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
1 Feb. 2025
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Someone might like to be humiliated but not negged.—
Fran Tirado,
Them,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Trump has ordered his administration to maximize water flows from the delta and expedite potential exemptions to the Endangered Species Act, allowing the Bureau of Reclamation to send more water southward without concern for habitat degradation.—
Bloomberg,
The Mercury News,
30 Jan. 2025
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When left unchecked, mass tourism can cause environmental and cultural degradation, displace locals, and strain infrastructure and resources.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA TODAY,
26 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The former president’s sweeping and even preemptive pardons subvert ongoing legal processes and, therefore, the law.—
Noah Rothman,
National Review,
21 Jan. 2025
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In a statement to The Hill, DNC Chair Jamie Harrison said Minnesota Republicans were attempting to subvert the will of the voters by looking to take the majority and Republican leadership.—
Lauren Irwin,
The Hill,
14 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Revoking security clearances of Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton, and former intelligence officials who signed a letter discrediting the Hunter Biden laptop story.—
Avery Lotz,
Axios,
28 Jan. 2025
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Kennedy has already begun to discredit public health measures to counter bird flu.—
Selena Simmons-Duffin,
NPR,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
What are the accusations against USAID? Over the weekend and into Monday, Musk fired off a series of posts on X that accused the agency of corruption.—
Elizabeth Chuck,
NBC News,
6 Feb. 2025
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First created among the post-Watergate government reforms aimed at increasing oversight and decreasing corruption and inefficiencies in federal departments, the Office of Inspector General began in 1976 after an act of Congress was passed.—
Southern California News Group Editorial Board,
Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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While, on paper, tariffs on Canadian energy could have a significant impact on fuel prices, a prolonged trade war could weaken global economies, reducing demand and partially offsetting the effects of tariffs.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
3 Feb. 2025
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As the company scales back on its ability to offer ultra-low prices, the appeal of its fast-fashion model may weaken, putting its market position at risk.—
Francisco Velasquez,
Quartz,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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An accomplished businesswoman, Margot bristles repeatedly when her family demeans her, especially Flora.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
TIME,
30 Jan. 2025
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The woman attempted to laugh it off, but her partner continued to demean her.—
George Monastiriakos,
Newsweek,
30 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near debase
Cite this Entry
“Debase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debase. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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