De-grades means to lower in rank, status or quality. The opposite of de-grades would be to improve, enhance or upgrade. Some antonyms for de-grades include elevate, promote, advance, dignify, honor, uplift and refurbish. When we talk about elevating or promoting someone, we are referring to giving them a higher rank or status. When we enhance something, we are making it better or improving its quality. Honoring someone means to show respect or admiration for their achievements. Refurbishing means to renovate or restore something to its original condition. Thus, these antonyms help to convey the opposite meaning of de-grades.