as in to criticize
formal
to criticize (a person's character, intentions, etc.) by suggesting that someone is not honest and should not be trusted
He impugned his rival's character. Her motives have been scrutinized and impugned.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of impugn
Rather, it is being used to impugn Baldoni's character and demonstrate malicious intent on his part.
—
Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
The issue here is not to impugn the individual Catholics who are decent people and who contribute to a more just society.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
Targets often accuse short sellers of impugning their reputation for financial gain.
—Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
For example, opposition forces, led by Lee, have ruthlessly attacked the first lady, stirring mass protests and impugning her character.
—Victor Cha, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for impugn
Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
The issue here is not to impugn the individual Catholics who are decent people and who contribute to a more just society.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
Targets often accuse short sellers of impugning their reputation for financial gain.
—Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
For example, opposition forces, led by Lee, have ruthlessly attacked the first lady, stirring mass protests and impugning her character.
—Victor Cha, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for impugn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impugn
Verb
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Political dynamics: DeSantis criticized the Florida House for delaying condo relief legislation, while House Speaker Daniel Perez defended the decision to address the issue during the regular session, highlighting the collaborative effort between the House and Senate.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
9 July 2025
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The feud between the two was reignited after Musk criticized Trump’s big legislative package of tax reductions and Medicaid cuts, which passed Congress last week.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Verb
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Chemical residue can be a primary cause of stiff towels and products like fabric softener can often be to blame.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
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Was the project doomed by the economic realities of globalization, the competitive landscape in the smartphone business, or were Google’s shifting corporate priorities ultimately to blame?—
Verne Kopytoff,
Fortune,
5 July 2025
Verb
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An outspoken progressive, Ruffalo frequently condemns the Trump administration's raids, which began in June.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
8 July 2025
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For instance, hundreds of political and civil rights activists—many of whom have been previously imprisoned—condemned Israel’s attacks in a joint statement.—
MOHAMMAD AYATOLLAHI TABAAR,
Foreign Affairs,
8 July 2025
Verb
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Hopes had been high for the latest negotiations but after days of negotiations the two sides accused each other of blocking an agreement while on the ground there has been no let-up in Israel’s military campaign, which resumed when the last ceasefire collapsed in March.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
14 July 2025
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Masterson first accused Kelly’s administration of favoring the Royals in a July 2 interview with Kansas City Sports Radio 810 WHB.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Impugn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugn. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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