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

His public squabbling with colleagues was highly unusual, as was letting Rodgers impugn another ABC star.

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2024

If Gardner was going to impugn his character and question his credibility, he decided, he wouldn’t cooperate with her prosecutors.

From Salon • Oct. 10, 2023

"We mean not to impugn the decision of so many lords and knights," continued the proud count.

From The Childhood of King Erik Menved An Historical Romance by Ingemann, Bernhard Severin

Vocabulary lists containing impugn

First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong

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Hidden Figures

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The Merchant of Venice

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