dis·cred·it
(ˌ)dis-ˈkre-dət 
discredited; discrediting; discredits
1
: to refuse to accept as true or accurate : disbelieve
discredit a rumor
2
: to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of
trying to discredit the claims of a rival
a discredited theory
1
: loss of credit (see credit entry 1 sense 3) or reputation
I knew stories to the discredit of England—
W. B. Yeats
W. B. Yeats2
: lack or loss of belief or confidence : doubt
contradictions cast discredit on his testimony
Synonyms
Examples of discredit in a Sentence
Verb
The prosecution discredited the witness by showing that she had lied in the past.
Many of his theories have been thoroughly discredited.
an attempt to discredit the governor
Noun
to his everlasting discredit, the coach was found to have placed bets against his own team
Recent Examples on the WebPeter Suciu, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
In rigorous reporting for this week’s issue, David D. Kirkpatrick spoke with intelligence officials, including those at the Foreign Malign Influence Center, to assess the danger of adversaries using these tactics to twist public opinion, discredit the vote, and sway its outcome.
—Hannah Jocelyn, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024
John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
This new standard discredits live event producers' long-standing excuse that accessibility disrupts the performance or looks bad.
—Toby Wong, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discredit 
Verb
In this case, the satire may have been timed to discredit Goldberg's real article, and his criticism of the former president.
—Peter Suciu, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
In rigorous reporting for this week’s issue, David D. Kirkpatrick spoke with intelligence officials, including those at the Foreign Malign Influence Center, to assess the danger of adversaries using these tactics to twist public opinion, discredit the vote, and sway its outcome.
—Hannah Jocelyn, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024
Noun
Only Keynesians ascribe an ability of governments to increase demand, but that’s to the everlasting discredit of Keynesianism.
—John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
This new standard discredits live event producers' long-standing excuse that accessibility disrupts the performance or looks bad.
—Toby Wong, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for discredit
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'discredit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near discredit
Cite this Entry
“Discredit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discredit. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
discredit
1 of 2 verb
dis·cred·it
(ˈ)dis-ˈkred-ət
1
: to refuse to accept as true or correct : disbelieve
discredit a rumor
2
: to cause to seem dishonest or untrue
discredit a witness
3
: to destroy the good reputation of : disgrace entry 1
involvement in the scandal discredited them
discreditable
adjective
-ə-bəl
discreditably
adverb
-blē
discredit
2 of 2 noun1
: loss of good name or respect
brought discredit on their family
2
: lack or loss of belief or confidence
bring a story into discredit
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share