Definitions

impugn

[im-pyoon] / ɪmˈpjun /

VERB

criticize, challenge

Synonyms

STRONGEST

assail contravene tar

STRONG

attack blast break contradict cross deny dispute gainsay knock negate negative oppose question resist slam smear traduce trash traverse zap

WEAK

call into question cast doubt upon come down on cut to shreds disaffirm pin something on put down run down skin alive stick it to swipe at throw doubt on throw the book at thumb nose at zing

Antonyms

STRONG

agree aid allow approve assist compliment concede confirm corroborate go along help join praise stay support

WEAK

flatter

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.

In the latter, he said he did not impugn the jurors — who were not present — but was advising the just-acquitted defendant to stay out of trouble.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Ms. Nuzzi will not dignify efforts to impugn her character with any future response,” Nuzzi’s lawyer Ari Wilkenfeld said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

In cross-examination Tuesday, Trump lawyer Susan Necheles grilled Daniels about her memoir and her ire for Trump in a bid to impugn her credibility in front of jurors.

From Salon • May 8, 2024

But first she bought brown drugstore hair dye, worried that being seen there might impugn her reputation.

From New York Times • May 7, 2023

But without meaning to impugn his veracity, or to dispute the register, we may say that he has scarcely got anybody to believe it.

From The Contemporary Review, Volume 36, November 1879 by Various

Vocabulary lists containing impugn

Hidden Figures

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First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong

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The Merchant of Venice

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