as in criticizing
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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Recent Examples of impugning
Ehlers’ duty as a public official includes upholding and respecting the legal process, not impugning it.
—
U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025
U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impugning
Verb
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It is filled with articles criticizing America’s involvement in overseas wars.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
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This includes Baldoni requesting his public relations representatives to amplify a video criticizing Lively as insensitive to domestic violence survivors.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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California's Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said the state identified factors behind price spikes, but stopped short of blaming oil companies for price gouging.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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But there is no point blaming Tuchel for this.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Documenting and denouncing shootings and arson attacks are easy.—
Jesse Brown,
The Atlantic,
24 Mar. 2026
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Maryland Governor Wes Moore released a statement on Friday, denouncing a 30-day gas tax suspension.—
Mike Hellgren,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The family of a stillborn baby has filed a lawsuit against a Pompano Beach funeral home, accusing the home of mishandling the baby’s unenbalmed remains and leaving him underneath the body of a 200-pound man.—
Rafael Olmeda,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
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Lawyers for Lemus’ widow have filed a legal claim, accusing the department of not training him or sending him to the FBI bomb school as required.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The United Steelworkers issued a statement Thursday condemning the lockout of 1,600 workers across the two unions.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
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Nacua apologized, and the Rams and the NFL issued statements condemning antisemitism and discrimination.—
Los Angeles Times staff,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impugning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugning. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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