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Definitions

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.

The United States and Israel said that they attacked Iran to degrade its military capacity.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

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

When evolution experiments only reward a single state, other necessary states can degrade.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 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