discredit
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for discredit, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To damage someone's reputation or make people doubt their honesty.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To damage someone's reputation or make people doubt their honesty.
“The scandal was designed to discredit the senator before the election.”
Opposites
2. noun
Loss of reputation or trust; disgrace.
“The affair brought discredit on the entire organization.”
How to use discredit
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
discredit a witness
discredit a theory
bring discredit on
Etymology
Built from dis- plus credit, in the sense of losing one's "credit" or good standing.
Full origin of discredit →Frequently asked questions
What does “discredit” mean?
The word “discredit” means to damage someone's reputation or make people doubt their honesty. In plain terms, to damage someone's good name or make their claims seem unreliable.
How do you pronounce “discredit”?
“Discredit” is pronounced dihs-KREHD-iht (/dɪsˈkɹɛd.ɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “discredit” in a sentence?
Here is “discredit” used in a sentence: “The scandal was designed to discredit the senator before the election.”
What part of speech is “discredit”?
Depending on how it is used, “discredit” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “discredit” a common word?
“Discredit” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “discredit” have?
“Discredit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to damage someone's reputation or make people doubt their honesty.
