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.

First, continue to degrade to a “militarily manageable risk” the missiles, mines, drones and unmanned surface combatants that could threaten U.S. forces and tankers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its leadership ranks were degraded and its ability to organize complex international plots sharply reduced.

From The Wall Street Journal

The space has physically degraded since her first visit, she said, and on a recent trip she was blocked from speaking with detainees.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hegseth said the campaign had sharply degraded Iran's ability to retaliate.

From Barron's

It is not fanciful to suspect that Iranian capabilities are being degraded very quickly.

From MarketWatch

degrade

Example Sentences

Related Words