Synonyms of impugn

impugn

verb

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.

Related Words

• criticize
• blame
• denounce
• condemn
• accuse
• appeal
• try
• implicate
• prosecute
• indict
• summon
• cite
• call (on)
• fault
• incriminate
• defame
• impeach
• censure
• castigate
• reproach
• damn
• chide
• charge
• criminate
• sue
• rebuke
• reprobate
• tax
• reprove
• name
• book
• report
• arraign
• frame
• inform (against)
• retaliate
• inculpate
• recriminate

Dissimilar Words

• defend
• advocate
• justify
• forgive
• excuse
• pardon
• remit
• champion
• vindicate
• exonerate
• absolve
• acquit
• clear
• exculpate
• shrive

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of impugn

Trump appeared on The Larry Kudlow show on Monday, speaking on a wide array of topics, but spoke of Connecticut when the Fox Business host impugned the state’s election security. — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026

This is a political tactic of the most crude sort, making no effort to refute an argument but to instead impugn the motives of those making it, along with the assumption that people with white skin can always and forever have only suspect motives. — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026

Cohen still got disciplined for lack of diligence, impugning the qualifications and integrity of a judge, and engaging in conduct that’s prejudicial to the administration of justice. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2026

So the markets are the ultimate arbiter of over whether the Fed’s independence is being impugned. — NBC news, 18 Jan. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!