demean 1 of 2

verb (1)

di-ˈmēn How to pronounce demean (audio)
Definition of demeannext
1
as in to degrade
to lower in character, dignity, or quality it demeans the political process to demand that candidates make promises that everyone knows are unrealistic

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to humiliate
to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes his statement was not meant to demean the group's hard work

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

demean

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to behave
to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way I shall endeavor to demean myself with utmost respect when our pastor comes to visit

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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 demean
Verb
The sources firmly rejected the draft declarations, characterizing them as publicity stunts designed to mock the league, sow division, and draw attention to the topic by demeaning others. — Wayne Sterling, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 The Fishback file James Fishback, with no relevant accomplishments or experience, is running a disgracefully racist and antisemitic campaign marked by demeaning attacks on Donalds, who is Black. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 For generations, alligators featured prominently in imagery intended to demean Black Americans. — The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026 Others have even demeaned the credibility of his creative achievements and professional accolades, attributing such success as a mere byproduct of his proximity and relationship to Hov. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for demean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demean
  1. degrade
  2. humiliate
  3. behave
  4. weaken
  5. discredit
  6. carry
  7. subvert
  8. acquit
Verb
  • At rates faster than the cap, the internet degrades and is no longer usable.
    — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Living with neck and back pain from stress, tension, poor posture and other causes can seriously degrade your quality of life, but Therabody's latest innovation can help.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of degrade
Verb
  • Doing it this way doesn’t diminish or judge or humiliate her lived experience.
    — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Smallwood attacks Nick’s virility, saying he’ll be publicly humiliated when his wife has to bail him out again in court.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of humiliate
Verb
  • The findings could help scientists understand the limits of Einstein’s theory of general relativity and investigate whether black holes can behave in ways that challenge our current understanding of the universe.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In quantum physics, particles behave differently than us mortals.
    — Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of behave
Verb
  • Conditions were expected to improve Saturday afternoon as winds weakened, with fair and dry weather forecast for the remainder of the weekend.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As trust in America weakens further, other wealthy nations will make the same calculation.
    — Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • There are growing concerns from Congress and observers that the election will take place in a hostile environment and efforts to discredit and undermine the election are already underway.
    — Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The few instances of panic were magnified by newspapers eager to discredit the new medium of radio.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of discredit
Verb
  • Each canister holds four missiles, allowing compatible launch systems to carry multiple interceptors within a single launch cell.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The Kings carried their 1-0 lead deep into the second period.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of carry
Verb
  • The Grace twist exists solely as a way to subvert the expectations of viewers who have seen the first movie.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • David Radcliff’s work crosses genres and formats, but his favorite projects are those that broaden understanding and empathy through humor and subverted expectations.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of subvert
Verb
  • Democrats have targeted Paxton, who is benefiting from millions in outside spending, over corruption claims and his impeachment by the Texas Legislature, though he was later acquitted.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner earlier in October said that Lewis was acquitted in a previous murder case, blaming police misconduct for the outcome.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of acquit

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Cite this Entry

“Demean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demean. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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