DEGRADE Synonyms: 173 Similar and Opposite Words

degrade

verb

di-ˈgrād

Definition of degrade

as in to reduce

to bring to a lower grade or rank the view that such a system degrades doctors to the status of medical employees who ultimately are not in charge of their patients' health care

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to deteriorate

to lower in character, dignity, or quality degrading the school's animal mascot with a silly costume

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to humiliate

to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes the players degraded themselves with their crude antics off the field

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of degrade Those with respiratory problems and sensitive groups could experience issues as our air quality degrades a bit with the dust lingering overhead. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 29 June 2026 When concentrations are higher, visibility can be reduced, and fine particles may temporarily degrade air quality. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 29 June 2026 When temperatures rise, heat can quietly degrade pantry staples, making refrigeration essential to preserve quality and flavor. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026 But explosions at nuclear, missile and drone facilities and assassinations of scientists outside the direct conflicts of June 2025 and from February 2026 clearly map to the goal of degrading Iranian military capabilities in between wars. — Amy McAuliffe, The Conversation, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for degrade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for degrade

Verb

Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Displaying tactical discipline and superior talent, the English national team defeated Mexico 3-2 with a lineup reduced to 10 men on Sunday night.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of reduce

Verb

They can also be used for de-aging characters, creating performances in different languages, or preserving the voice or likeness of an actor whose health is deteriorating, as was the case with CAA client Eric Dane.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
Though concrete is a durable surface, concrete driveway repair is needed when the surface deteriorates and develops cracks over the years.

— Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

Definition of deteriorate

Verb

Israel must leave humiliated and defeated — and that is exactly what will happen.

— Mark Osborne, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 24 June 2026

Definition of humiliate

Verb

There was some intrigue about whom the Yankees might demote with Grisham and McMahon returning.

— Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 4 July 2026
But in the process, the department demoted theology, a field that some had targeted for enjoying professional status when nursing did not.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Definition of demote

Verb

The flow of dark traffic is one of the factors that helped explain why oil markets had weakened significantly by early June, together with a surge in exports from the US and pullback in buying by China.

— Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026
But as several surveys have consistently indicated, optimism about our country's outlook has undeniably weakened.

— Robert Hormats, Time, 4 July 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

Kiryl Pazniak, 49, who hosted a popular political show on YouTube, has been convicted on the charges of discrediting Belarus and forming an extremist organization, the group said — accusations widely used by authorities to stifle critical voices.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Green said earlier this year that Adebayo shouldn’t be underestimated and his 83-point game against Washington shouldn’t be discredited.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

Definition of discredit

Verb

Some of that sentiment reflects the fact that the president and those around him subvert the rule of law, decency, and democratic restraints.

— Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
The Sedition Act of 1918, which subverted the Bill of Rights, imposed penalties for anti-government expression.

— Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 1 July 2026

Definition of subvert

Verb

The Chicago White Sox, a team many left for dead at the start of the year, embarrassed the Kansas City Royals Friday night, 22-1.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
But combined with Disney‘s embarrassing The Mandalorian and Grogu influencer stunt that backfired, a movie’s first reactions on social media are increasingly being met with equal amounts of fan skepticism.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026

Definition of embarrass

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degradations

degrade

degraded

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“Degrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degrade. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of degrade

verb

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