DEMORALIZE Synonyms: 164 Similar and Opposite Words

demoralize

verb

di-ˈmȯr-ə-ˌlīz

Definition of demoralize

as in to paralyze

to deprive of courage or confidence the mere sight of the forbidding cliffs demoralized the climbers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of we refused to be demoralized by our humiliating defeat and vowed to come roaring back the following week

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to humiliate

to lower in character, dignity, or quality felt society as a whole has been demoralized by the widespread availability of pornography

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 demoralize The San Antonio Spurs had just lost Game 3 of the Western Conference finals in demoralizing fashion. — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 8 June 2026 No question, the end of the season was deflating and demoralizing. — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 5 June 2026 Where Barbie was forced to reconsider Barbieland’s values after paying a visit to the real world, Adam is forced to uphold the real world’s values after being zapped back to a fantasyland whose greatest warriors have been utterly demoralized by their insufficient physical force. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 June 2026 Colorado looked nothing like the team that demoralized opponents all year with its offensive and defensive prowess. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for demoralize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demoralize

Verb

Vaccines Are Victims Of Their Own Success Most parents have not seen a child permanently paralyzed by polio or struggling to breathe from diphtheria.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
But as anyone who’s stared at a wall of swatches well knows, choosing the right shade can feel paralyzing.

— Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026

Definition of paralyze

Verb

In 2023, the city-state’s Ministry of Home Affairs shared a release specifically discouraging citizens from wearing or displaying articles that address the Israel-Palestine conflict.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026
The all-inclusive packages discourage guests from spending outside their resorts.

— Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

Rudi Garcia then arguably drew up the game plan of the tournament, leaving Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku out of his starting XI and still managing to humiliate the hosts.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
The Fijians were tough and clinical in a huge turnaround from last weekend when they were humiliated by England 73-8 in Liverpool.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026

Definition of humiliate

Verb

Women are increasingly embracing rucking as an accessible middle ground between an ordinary walk and an intimidating strength-training program.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Picking the perfect shade and formula for your lips can be intimidating given the number of options on the market, but with more than 30 flattering shades to choose from, Mac Matte Lipstick can be a great addition to your makeup bag.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of intimidate

Verb

Iran was also frustrated that financial promises under the deal – including the release of billions of frozen assets – didn't materialize, and now the American blockade is back in place.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Unlike traditional resort fees that can surprise or frustrate travelers, these purchases are optional and connected to a guest’s needs.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrate

Verb

Taylor contends the company welcomes more FDA scrutiny, and cautions against letting the outbreak frighten consumers away from eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

— Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Studios that let a government inquiry frighten them into caution are not managing risk.

— Christopher Racster, IndieWire, 23 July 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

Analysts are less optimistic that the latest intervention could fundamentally alter the broader course of the yen’s weakening.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
If the partner feels disconnected from the hotel brand, the benefit may add utility while weakening the program’s positioning.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of weaken

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demoralization

demoralize

demoralized

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“Demoralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demoralize. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of demoralize

verb

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