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
• depreciate
• deprecate
• decry
• bad-mouth
• denounce
• run down
• discount
• condemn
• talk down
• dislike
• discredit
• play down
• cry down
• dump on
• 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
• rip
• traduce
• reprehend
• reprobate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Paxton and Hunt belittled Cornyn’s border appearance. —Joseph Morton, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026

But the film is at its strongest during a sequence when Salim (Saleh Bakri), the son of Sharif and father of Noor, encounters Israeli soldiers who belittle him in front of his son while both on their way to pick up a prescription for Salim’s ailing father. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026

Dante Gabriel Rossetti​ could always cheer himself up by belittling William Morris. —Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025

But Leavitt has become a master of the art of political language, wielded to aggrandize her boss, belittle his opponents and deflect attention from administration scandals. —Laura Beers, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025