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Definitions

impugn

[im-pyoon] / ɪmˈpyun /
VERB
criticize, challenge
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assail contravene tar
STRONG
attack blast break contradict cross deny dispute gainsay knock negate negative oppose question resist slam smear traduce trash traverse zap
WEAK
call into question cast doubt upon come down on cut to shreds disaffirm pin something on put down run down skin alive stick it to swipe at throw doubt on throw the book at thumb nose at zing
Antonyms
STRONG
agree aid allow approve assist compliment concede confirm corroborate go along help join praise stay support
WEAK
flatter

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.

Ms. Nuzzi will not dignify efforts to impugn her character with any future response,” Nuzzi’s lawyer Ari Wilkenfeld said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Stories like these are not told to impugn the professionalism and ethics of the American military.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2025

That’s not to say that a cynic would be shocked if somebody donated to charity or helped a stranger, but they might suspect or impugn the person’s motives.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2024

Whatever he knows that he has done to others, he tries to impugn upon the next person.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2023

But none ever dared to impugn the correctness of her conduct.

From The Life and Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Volume II (of 2) by Marshall, Florence A. Thomas

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.