debase

12 synonyms and 6 antonyms for debase, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To reduce the quality or worth of something.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

load

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

corrupt alloy

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

demoralise dilute deprave demoralize misdirect debauch adulterate profane pervert

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To reduce the quality or worth of something.

demoralise load dilute corrupt alloy deprave demoralize misdirect debauch adulterate profane pervert

Opposites

improve enrich enhance

2. verb

To reduce someone's rank or status.

Opposites

dignify elevate exalt

Etymology

Formed from de- and base, the latter from Old French bas, from Latin bassus. It is cognate with Spanish debajo ("under, beneath, below"). Compare abase.

Full origin of debase →

People also searched

improve load corrupt enhance alloy elevate enrich pervert dilute exalt demoralize adulterate

Nearby words

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