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 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 Matt grows increasingly irritated when Sarah’s friends belittle his line of work — something that Rogen has experienced first-hand in real life while raising money with his wife for their Alzheimer’s charity. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
Verb
  • Social media companies have already gotten several claims dismissed, including a claim of unjust enrichment, Goetz said, because Nazario failed to respond to them.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
  • The Post, like much of New York city’s establishment, was already dismissing Mamdani as too extreme to win in the Democratic mayoral primary.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Here are some strategies for carving up a large restaurant bill to minimize stress on wait staff and prevent fights among tablemates.
    Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
  • The couple's wedding planners told Fox News Digital that Bezos and Sánchez specifically instructed them to minimize the disruptions to the best of their ability out of respect to the locals.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025
  • Flagg won’t be the only rookie cashing in: Every first-round selection in this year’s draft is projected to earn a seven-figure salary, although each slot has a diminishing value.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 26 June 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
  • From social media to legacy media news stories to co-ed classrooms to streaming platforms to advertisements featuring only young women, young males today are bombarded with messages that denigrate their identity (‘toxic’) and question their relevance.
    Andrew Reiner, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2025
  • This legislation would promote the St. Louis Cardinals and denigrate the Royals, who won two of three games last week at Busch Stadium. Schroer, who is representing St. Charles County, is either making a joke or doesn’t seem all that interested in tackling the difficult decisions in the state.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • At a time when establishing clarity of first principles has never been more urgent, UF’s law school practically dared anyone to criticize the award for whitewashing the Constitution.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
  • Environmental groups lobbied for the 8.3% increase versus something higher, but also criticized the water authority for not solving its problems sooner.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on belittle

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