Synonym Chooser

How does the verb belittle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of belittle are decry, depreciate, and disparage. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

In what contexts can decry take the place of belittle?

The words decry and belittle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit.

decried their defeatist attitude

Where would depreciate be a reasonable alternative to belittle?

Although the words depreciate and belittle have much in common, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

When could disparage be used to replace belittle?

While the synonyms disparage and belittle are close in meaning, disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison.

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of belittle My only concern is this: don’t belittle storied teams from continents other than Europe for taking this one seriously and with passion. Jack Lang, New York Times, 18 June 2025 No matter how often Ferd strikes and belittles her, Isabelle always manages to brush herself off and turn her pain into art. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 June 2025 Contempt Contempt includes lashing out in disdain, berating and belittling, using menacing language, and trashing your partner’s character. Kelley J. Brower, CNBC, 5 June 2025 George Papadopoulos Though President Trump once belittled him, Trump pardoned his former campaign aide on Dec. 22, 2020. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
Verb
  • The felony charges were dismissed with prejudice, meaning they can't be refiled.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • In previous cycles, price booms were often dismissed as driven by hype, memes, and momentum.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The smell will fade overtime as the blinds begin to dry, but diluting vinegar with water helps minimize the potency of the scent.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the cultural visibility of this incomparable art has been diminishing for years, at least in this country.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Our family was disparaged in the hallways of the school by the music teacher.
    BJ, Denver Post, 3 July 2025
  • His work has been disparaged and diminished since the 5-0 defeat in Munich against PSG.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • President Trump in his first 100 days tested that system like rarely before, signing dozens of executive orders, closing or sharply reducing government agencies funded by Congress, and denigrating judges who have issued dozens of rulings against him.
    Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
  • In retirement, Barnett sued Boeing, alleging that the company had denigrated his character and blocked his career advancement during his employment—charges Boeing denies.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Many airlines have long relied on aging computer systems, and the aviation industry has been criticized for failing to modernize swiftly.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 22 July 2025
  • During the 2024 presidential election, for instance, conservatives criticized Kamala Harris for tweeting support in 2020 for the Minnesota Freedom Fund.
    Meg Anderson, NPR, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on belittle

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