Synonyms for
Discredit
Definition
to harm the reputation or respect for someone or something
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- discredit a theory
- discredit a witness
- discredit a claim
- discredit a report
- discredit an idea
- discredit the government
- discredit oneself
Word family
Usage note
Often used to mean to harm the reputation of someone or something, or to make something seem untrue or unreliable. Be careful not to confuse with 'discreet', which means careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions.
Example sentences
- The article was written to discredit the new product.
- The politician's opponent tried to discredit his achievements.
- The student's poor behavior in class discredited his good grades.
- The false rumors spread about her were meant to discredit her reputation.
- The company's decision to cut corners discredited their quality standards.
Quotes
A powerful way to discredit something is to call it names.
The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.
It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it.