impugning
Calling into question
Impugning is calling into question or challenging the truth, validity, or integrity of something.
You impugn someone's motives, honesty, or character: The attorney impugned the witness's credibility.
The word carries a formal, often adversarial tone—it suggests deliberate attack rather than casual doubt.
Seeking answers through inquiry
- disputingArguing over validity
- contestingActively disputing or vying
- objectingExpressing formal disapproval
- rebuttingDisproving another's argument
refuting · contradicting · opposing · counterarguing · debating · scrutinizing · examining · interrogating
Harming reputation falsely
- slanderingMaking false damaging statements
- smearingSpreading by rubbing
- besmirchingDamaging someone's reputation
- tarnishingOxidizing and losing shine
denigrating · vilifying · maligning · disparaging · libeling · dishonoring · disgracing · stigmatizing
Seeking answers through inquiry
- distrustingLacking confidence in others
- mistrustingLacking faith in others
- suspectingBelieving something amiss
- disbelievingRefusing to accept something
skepticism · incredulity · uncertainty · wariness · misgivings · reservations · second-guessing
Claiming without evidence
- chargingRestoring electrical power
- indictingFormally accusing legally
- incriminatingProving guilt or wrongdoing
- insinuatingIndirectly suggesting something
implicating · blaming · denouncing · censuring · reproaching · condemning · castigating · arraigning
questioning
Seeking answers through inquiry
- disputingArguing over validity
- contestingActively disputing or vying
- objectingExpressing formal disapproval
rebutting · refuting · contradicting · opposing · counterarguing · debating · scrutinizing · examining · interrogating · doubting
defaming
Harming reputation falsely
- slanderingMaking false damaging statements
- smearingSpreading by rubbing
- besmirchingDamaging someone's reputation
tarnishing · denigrating · vilifying · maligning · disparaging · libeling · dishonoring · disgracing · stigmatizing · tainting
questioning
Seeking answers through inquiry
- distrustingLacking confidence in others
- mistrustingLacking faith in others
- suspectingBelieving something amiss
disbelieving · skepticism · incredulity · uncertainty · wariness · misgivings · reservations · second-guessing
alleging
Claiming without evidence
- chargingRestoring electrical power
- indictingFormally accusing legally
- incriminatingProving guilt or wrongdoing
insinuating · implicating · blaming · denouncing · censuring · reproaching · condemning · castigating · arraigning · impeaching
- refutationdisproof, disproving, refutation, rebuttal, counterargument
impugningdefending
Protecting against harm
supporting · championing · upholding · vouching for · standing up for
impugningvalidating
Confirming truth or accuracy
affirming · endorsing · confirming · corroborating · substantiating
repugnant, impugn, pugnacious, pugilist, impugned, pugilism, impugns