Definitions

impugn

[im-pyoon] / ɪmˈpyun /

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.

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

Not to impugn the integrity of anyone’s former travel agent, but that agent was probably less concerned than Google Flights with showing you the lowest possible price to get where you were heading.

From Slate • Oct. 9, 2025

That’s not to say that a cynic would be shocked if somebody donated to charity or helped a stranger, but they might suspect or impugn the person’s motives.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2024

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

He suffered malignants to malign, seceders to rebel, detractors to impugn; and bore their taunts and blows and wounds patiently, still abiding by his word.

From Abraham Lincoln's Cardinal Traits; A Study in Ethics, with an Epilogue Addressed to Theologians by Beardslee, Clark S.

Vocabulary lists containing impugn

Hidden Figures

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Merchant of Venice

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!