Synonyms of belittle

belittle

verb

bi-ˈli-tᵊl 

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of

belittled the action star's acting ability

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dismiss
• minimize
• diminish
• disparage
• denigrate
• criticize
• derogate
• diss
• depreciate
• deprecate
• decry
• bad-mouth
• denounce
• run down
• discount
• condemn
• talk down
• dislike
• discredit
• play down
• dump on
• cry down
• scold
• trash-talk
• write off
• dis
• poor-mouth
• put down
• trash
• vilipend
• kiss off
• vilify
• defame
• malign
• abuse
• slander
• disapprove (of)
• disgrace
• censure
• discommend
• asperse
• slur
• traduce
• reprehend
• rip
• reprobate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exalt
• applaud
• glorify
• extol
• praise
• laud
• magnify
• recommend
• endorse
• approve
• favor
• acclaim
• indorse
• sanction
• commend
• countenance
• extoll
• compliment
• eulogize

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

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