DEBASEMENTS Synonyms: 194 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'debase' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of debase are corrupt , debauch , deprave , pervert , and vitiate . While all these words mean "to cause deterioration or lowering in quality or character," debase implies a loss of position, worth, value, or dignity. // commercialism has debased the holiday

Q: In what contexts can 'corrupt' take the place of 'debase'?

The words corrupt and debase can be used in similar contexts, but corrupt implies loss of soundness, purity, or integrity. // the belief that bureaucratese corrupts the language

Q: When is it sensible to use 'debauch' instead of 'debase'?

The words debauch and debase are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, debauch implies a debasing through sensual indulgence. // the long stay on a tropical isle had debauched the ship's crew

Q: Where would 'deprave' be a reasonable alternative to 'debase'?

While in some cases nearly identical to debase , deprave implies moral deterioration by evil thoughts or influences. // the claim that society is depraved by pornography

Q: When would 'pervert' be a good substitute for 'debase'?

The meanings of pervert and debase largely overlap; however, pervert implies a twisting or distorting from what is natural or normal. // perverted the original goals of the institute

Q: When is 'vitiate' a more appropriate choice than 'debase'?

While the synonyms vitiate and debase are close in meaning, vitiate implies a destruction of purity, validity, or effectiveness by allowing entrance of a fault or defect. // a foreign policy vitiated by partisanship

debase 1 of 2

verb

di-ˈbās

Definition of debase next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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debasement

2 of 2

noun

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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How is the word debase different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of debase are corrupt, debauch, deprave, pervert, and vitiate. While all these words mean "to cause deterioration or lowering in quality or character," debase implies a loss of position, worth, value, or dignity.

commercialism has debased the holiday

In what contexts can corrupt take the place of debase?

The words corrupt and debase can be used in similar contexts, but corrupt implies loss of soundness, purity, or integrity.

the belief that bureaucratese corrupts the language

When is it sensible to use debauch instead of debase?

The words debauch and debase are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, debauch implies a debasing through sensual indulgence.

the long stay on a tropical isle had debauched the ship's crew

Where would deprave be a reasonable alternative to debase?

While in some cases nearly identical to debase, deprave implies moral deterioration by evil thoughts or influences.

the claim that society is depraved by pornography

When would pervert be a good substitute for debase?

The meanings of pervert and debase largely overlap; however, pervert implies a twisting or distorting from what is natural or normal.

perverted the original goals of the institute

When is vitiate a more appropriate choice than debase?

While the synonyms vitiate and debase are close in meaning, vitiate implies a destruction of purity, validity, or effectiveness by allowing entrance of a fault or defect.

a foreign policy vitiated by partisanship

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 debase

Verb

Haphazardly propped on the ground with wiring and hardware exposed, the flags appear as symbols debased and emptied after centuries of misuse. —

Rachel Wetzler, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026 Since the summer of 2025, antiforeigner sentiment—fueled by false or exaggerated claims about migrant workers committing crimes, foreign residents draining welfare coffers, or international tourists debasing Japanese culture—has taken hold in Japanese politics. —

Gracia Liu-Farrer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025

Noun

Over and over, Colin takes stock of his own debasement. —

Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 Bitcoin has failed to respond to typical drivers like dollar weakness or geopolitical risk, unlike gold and silver which rallied to records as global tensions fueled fears about dollar debasement. —

Bloomberg, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debase

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debase

Verb

More than three decades of Arctic exposure have severely degraded many structures.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026
High heat causes coatings to degrade faster and shortens the lifespan of the pan dramatically.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026

Definition of degrade

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debars

debase

debased

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“Debase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debase. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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