degrade

[dih-greyd, dee-greyd] / dɪˈgreɪd, diˈgreɪd /

VERB

shame, humiliate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cheapen corrupt debase degenerate demean deteriorate diminish discredit disgrace downgrade impair lessen reduce vitiate weaken

STRONG

abase belittle bench break bump bust canker debauch decry demote depose deprave derogate detract disbar dishonor disparage humble injure lower pan pervert sink slam

WEAK

bemean cast down cut down to size declass mudsling put down rule out run down shoot down take down take down a peg tear down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist develop enhance enlarge expand extend grow help honor improve increase praise purify raise strengthen upgrade

STRONG

build up compliment exalt fix flatter laud mend promote rise

WEAK

admire approve elevate

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.

First, continue to degrade to a “militarily manageable risk” the missiles, mines, drones and unmanned surface combatants that could threaten U.S. forces and tankers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

However, McBeth notes that continued operations would continue to degrade Iran’s command and control structure.

From Salon • Mar. 10, 2026

Such blooms can degrade water quality, disrupt ecosystems, and release toxins that threaten both wildlife and people.

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2026

‘You can’t degrade the travel experience for decades and then scold people for dressing to endure the experience.’

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

I wished we did not have to degrade the house with our modern jig-tunes so out-of-place and unromantic.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

degrade

Example Sentences

Related Words