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 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 Donald was repeatedly unfaithful and belittled his wife’s artistic side. Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2025 The two leaders appeared friendly and at ease, even after Trump belittled Canada over social media only minutes before Carney arrived at the White House. Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 6 May 2025 Fearing their authority is being bypassed, supervisors sometimes retaliate – belittling ideas and withholding resources, for example – which stifles the very innovation that cross-silo collaborations can foster. Esmt Berlin, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
Verb
  • So far, nearly 60,000 federal employees have been dismissed, with the State Department layoffs marking the latest round of cuts.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • With the reciprocal tariffs, Trump is dismissing the rules governing world trade.
    Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • That's why ignoring minor misbehavior (as long as no one is being harmed) and praising positive choices is one of the most effective ways to manage and minimize attention-seeking behaviors.1 2.
    Amy Morin, Parents, 7 July 2025
  • These workshops taught cognitive skills aimed at maximizing the strengths and minimizing the weaknesses typically associated with their specific most strongly outlying trait.
    Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The best wrinkle creams on Amazon prove that drugstore prices don't diminish efficacy.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 July 2025
  • The Commanders’ potential move back to D.C. would also pull the team out of Landover, further diminishing Maryland’s stake in professional sports and federal investments.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Any administration that loudly and proudly disparages diversity, equity and inclusion — the hallmarks of American democracy — is hardly likely to be an ally of the gays.
    Louis Balsamo, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025
  • Lindell's lawyers suggested Coomer bore some responsibility after writing Facebook posts that disparaged Trump.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • At the same time, Trump routinely denigrates democratic allies and international institutions such as the United Nations and NATO.
    Daniel Treisman, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Political dynamics: DeSantis criticized the Florida House for delaying condo relief legislation, while House Speaker Daniel Perez defended the decision to address the issue during the regular session, highlighting the collaborative effort between the House and Senate.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
  • The feud between the two was reignited after Musk criticized Trump’s big legislative package of tax reductions and Medicaid cuts, which passed Congress last week.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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