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.

We have thousands of these in storage, and we have studies that show they don’t degrade in a dangerous way.

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2026

Over time, those pores can change shape or degrade, reducing performance and limiting their usefulness in demanding industrial environments.

From Science Daily • Jun. 12, 2026

Anthropic released Claude Fable 5, an AI model with safety barriers that redirect sensitive queries and degrade AI development responses, angering users.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Investigations showed the solution was missing magnesium, which caused embryos to stop developing, degrade, or die.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

“A more conservative association was wanted. And now if we divide and Mrs. Stanton shall be deposed from the presidency you virtually degrade her.”

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Vocabulary lists containing degrade

30 GRE Words Beginning with "D"

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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

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How Low Can You Go? Synonyms for "Downward"

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