discredit

[dis-kred-it] / dɪsˈkrɛd ɪt /

VERB

blame, detract from

Synonyms

STRONGEST

defame degrade destroy disgrace disparage disprove ruin slander smear vilify

STRONG

censure disesteem disfavor dishonor explode expose pooh-pooh puncture reproach shoot slur

WEAK

blow up bring into disrepute bring to naught disconsider frown upon knock bottom out of mudsling poke full of holes put down reflect on run down show up take rug out from under tear down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve build commend compliment construct exalt flatter honor laud praise upgrade

WEAK

believe credit trust

VERB

doubt, question

Synonyms

STRONGEST

distrust reject

STRONG

challenge deny disbelieve discount dispute mistrust

WEAK

put under suspicion scoff at

Antonyms

STRONG

agree believe go along trust

WEAK

commend credit honor praise

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.

After subsequently failing in court to discredit Beth, MI5 recently offered to pay compensation to settle her claim.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

He was suspended from his army job, with Defence Minister Guido Crosetto -- a member of Meloni's party -- saying that his "personal ramblings... discredit the army, the defence ministry and the constitution".

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

Anna Sale: When news came out about your tattoo—the skull-and-crossbones design that resembles Nazi imagery—you said it was fed from people researching your background who wanted to discredit you.

From Slate • Mar. 4, 2026

In a statement Monday, Rodriguez said “people are pointing to messages where I was polite, grateful, or vulnerable — and trying to use that to discredit me.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2025

Gwentshe knew how to exploit certain issues in order to discredit his opponents.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

discredit

Example Sentences

Related Words