degrade

[dih-greyd, dee-greyd] / dɪˈgreɪd, diˈgreɪd /

VERB

shame, humiliate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cheapen corrupt debase degenerate demean deteriorate diminish discredit disgrace downgrade impair lessen reduce vitiate weaken

STRONG

abase belittle bench break bump bust canker debauch decry demote depose deprave derogate detract disbar dishonor disparage humble injure lower pan pervert sink slam

WEAK

bemean cast down cut down to size declass mudsling put down rule out run down shoot down take down take down a peg tear down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist develop enhance enlarge expand extend grow help honor improve increase praise purify raise strengthen upgrade

STRONG

build up compliment exalt fix flatter laud mend promote rise

WEAK

admire approve elevate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The United States and Israel said that they attacked Iran to degrade its military capacity.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

However, McBeth notes that continued operations would continue to degrade Iran’s command and control structure.

From Salon • Mar. 10, 2026

Over time, fluids can degrade or evaporate, potentially damaging the specimens.

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2026

“There is no modern precedent for regime change achieved through air power alone. Bombs can degrade infrastructure. They can weaken capabilities. But they do not manufacture organized political alternatives,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

No generation has the right to dictate to another what its culture ought to be, or to degrade its choices as stupid and offensive.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz

Vocabulary lists containing degrade

30 GRE Words Beginning with "D"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

How Low Can You Go? Synonyms for "Downward"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!