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.

In the latter, he said he did not impugn the jurors — who were not present — but was advising the just-acquitted defendant to stay out of trouble.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

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

Not to impugn the integrity of anyone’s former travel agent, but that agent was probably less concerned than Google Flights with showing you the lowest possible price to get where you were heading.

From Slate • Oct. 9, 2025

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

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2023

There was an absence of direct proof, but he hesitated not to impugn the bona fides of Sergeant Dayrell and Catharine Lawless.

From Nevermore by Bolderwood, Rolf

Vocabulary lists containing impugn

Hidden Figures

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First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong

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The Merchant of Venice

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