as in insulting
intended to make a person or thing seem of little importance or value
made degrading comments about his so-called friend behind his back
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in reducing
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deteriorating
to lower in character, dignity, or quality
degrading the school's animal mascot with a silly costume
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in humiliating
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
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Recent Examples of degrading
Sarah Everts, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2016
The source added that Trump’s history of attacking the Obama family and making degrading comments about people of color doesn’t sit well with her.
—Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
What a degrading finale for Biden’s feeble, forgettable, frequently foolish presidency.
—Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for degrading
Adjective
In the case of the white-telephone-cord purse, Curran sniffed out the presence of plasticizers that typically emerge from degrading PVC—a useful alarm bell for staff who may want to store the purse in a sealed container.
—Sarah Everts, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2016
The source added that Trump’s history of attacking the Obama family and making degrading comments about people of color doesn’t sit well with her.
—Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
These strikes targeted weapons depots, Iranian bases, and key logistical routes, severely degrading Tehran's ability to support its proxies.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
What a degrading finale for Biden’s feeble, forgettable, frequently foolish presidency.
—Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for degrading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for degrading
Adjective
-
Sean Griffin, local executive council president for the union, said the pay is insulting.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2025
-
To suggest civil servants don’t work hard and could do more for less is insulting to the hundreds of thousands of hard-working federal workers earning their paychecks today.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Conversely, by reducing the number of vehicles entering Manhattan, the initiative could dramatically transform the urban commuting experience.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
-
State governments, as well as drug manufacturers, provide financial help to the uninsured, often reducing the cost of PrEP medicines to zero.—
James K. Glassman,
Boston Herald,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Her body is deteriorating in front of us, and yet my daughter and her vet say, if (the dog) looks happy, leave her be.—
Joan Morris,
The Mercury News,
30 Dec. 2024
-
With the relationship between the two companies deteriorating, Qualcomm may have to consider using another architecture before its ALA expires in 2033.—
Jim McGregor,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Many of the conspiracy theories have prompted FEMA to create a page on its site discrediting rumors and false information about its response to Hurricane Helene.—
Nicole Sganga,
CBS News,
14 Oct. 2024
-
Still, the United States didn’t recognize Haiti as a nation until 1862, during the Civil War, when American leadership was looking for any support in discrediting slavery.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes,
10 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Luck and the university fired coach Troy Taylor last week after ESPN reported that he was twice investigated for his demeaning treatment of staffers — particularly women.—
Michael Nowels,
Mercury News,
1 Apr. 2025
-
And the system was routinely demeaning and dismissive.—
Sarah Lustbader,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Jose Velasquez-Martinez, 27, is charged with malicious wounding and murder in connection with 29-year-old Brandon Probst's death in Warrenton, according to the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office.—
Audrey Conklin,
FOXNews.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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There is evidence of motivated malicious actors abusing the 'verified account' to deceive users.—
Jon Brodkin,
ArsTechnica,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Moffett also said artificial intelligence isn’t driving an upgrade cycle as hoped, noting that there is weakening demand in China along with antitrust concerns.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2025
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With high expectations for future new orders along with expanding current new orders, the outlooks for material handling and supply chain industries are positive, despite some weakening in the December MHI BAI report.—
Jason Schenker,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, South Australia has seen a 63% decline in critical incidents—such as bullying and distribution of explicit or derogatory content—involving social media and 54% fewer behavioral issues.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
3 Apr. 2025
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Gopnik is a derogatory Russian slang word that roughly translates to thug.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Degrading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/degrading. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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