denigrative

adjective

den·​i·​gra·​tive ˈde-ni-ˌgrā-tiv How to pronounce denigrative (audio)
Synonyms of denigrativenext
: intended to denigrate or belittle someone or something : expressing denigration : derogatory, denigratory
denigrative language
What Buckley called fascistic, Joseph Ratzinger called democratic or communalist—almost as denigrative in the papal vocabulary.Garry Wills, Why Priests?, 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of denigrative was in 1968

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Denigrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denigrative. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on denigrative

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!