impugns
Calls into question
Impugns is the third-person singular of impugn, meaning to challenge or call into question the truth, validity, or integrity of something: The defense attorney impugns the witness's credibility.
The word often appears in formal or legal contexts when someone disputes facts or attacks another's character or motives.
Weakens by stealth
- discreditsHarms another's standing
- invalidatesMakes no longer binding
- debunksExposes as untrue
- refutesProves something false
contradicts · disproves · negates · rebuts · gainsays · belies
Attacks with intensity
- attacksAggressive hostile actions
- criticizesExpresses unfavorable judgment
- denouncesPublicly criticizes harshly
- condemnsExpresses severe disapproval
censures · reproaches · rebukes · vilifies · maligns · disparages · denigrates · defames
Vigorously go after
- assaultViolent offensive act
- challengeTest of ability
- contestOrganized competitive event
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
oppose · rebut · refute · contradict · deny · counter · confront · undermine
Spoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- malignAttack someone's reputation
- vilifyAttack someone's reputation
- smearSpread or defame
besmirch · tarnish · sully · denigrate · disparage · defame · calumniate · traduce
Publicly declare wrongdoing
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- condemnDeclare wrong or guilty
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- decryOpenly criticize harshly
castigate · lambaste · excoriate · rebuke · reprimand · chastise · blame · fault
Lack of firm belief
- distrustAbsence of confidence
- suspectBelieve to be likely
- mistrustLack of faith
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
incredulity · disbelief · wariness · scrutinize · examine · probe · interrogate · cross-examine
Harms reputation falsely
- slandersFalsely damages reputation
- libelsDefames in writing
- smearsDefaming attacks or streaks
- besmirchesDamages someone's good name
tarnishes · sullies · stains · dishonors · disgraces · calumniates
Difficulties requiring effort
- disputesClashes over differing positions
- contestsCompetitive events or disputes
- questionsRequests for information
- doubtsFeelings of uncertainty
queries · interrogates · scrutinizes · examines · probes · investigates · cross-examines
undermines
Weakens by stealth
- discreditsHarms another's standing
- invalidatesMakes no longer binding
- debunksExposes as untrue
refutes · contradicts · disproves · negates · rebuts · gainsays · belies
assails
Attacks with intensity
- attacksAggressive hostile actions
- criticizesExpresses unfavorable judgment
- denouncesPublicly criticizes harshly
condemns · censures · reproaches · rebukes · vilifies · maligns · disparages · denigrates · defames · slanders
assail
Vigorously go after
dispute · oppose · rebut · refute · contradict · deny · counter · confront · undermine · discredit
slander
Spoken false defamation
smear · besmirch · tarnish · sully · denigrate · disparage · defame · calumniate · traduce · asperse
denounce
Publicly declare wrongdoing
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- condemnDeclare wrong or guilty
- reproachExpression of disappointment
decry · castigate · lambaste · excoriate · rebuke · reprimand · chastise · blame · fault · indict
doubt
Lack of firm belief
skepticism · incredulity · disbelief · wariness · scrutinize · examine · probe · interrogate · cross-examine · second-guess
defames
Harms reputation falsely
besmirches · tarnishes · sullies · stains · dishonors · disgraces · calumniates
challenges
Difficulties requiring effort
- disputesClashes over differing positions
- contestsCompetitive events or disputes
- questionsRequests for information
doubts · queries · interrogates · scrutinizes · examines · probes · investigates · cross-examines
- criticismscriticizes, disparages, condemns, denounces, censures
- tarnishesblemishes, blots, corrupts, defames, denigrates