Definition of belittlenext

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 Tim Scott of South Carolina and Rick Scott of Florida belittled the governor. Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026 Morin says these conversations can strengthen a healthy relationship, or point out flaws in an unhealthy one, such as if your partner fails to take you seriously or belittles your feelings. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026 Catherine cannot stand the idea and starts to belittle Isabella, all while reconnecting with her friend. Amanda Luberto, AZCentral.com, 11 Feb. 2026 Link was captured on Ring camera footage mocking and belittling Jimenez after shooting him, prosecutors say. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
Verb
  • As part of her agreement to plead guilty, prosecutors will dismiss four felony counts of perjury, procurement or false or forged document to be filed, and two counts of not being entitled to vote in an election.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Though often dismissed as bubblegum soul, the early Jackson 5 hits were intricate and infectious.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Effective vole control includes keeping grass mowed, minimizing mulch, using traps, and protecting young trees with hardware cloth tubes.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
  • For as long as medicine has been practiced, women’s health concerns have been minimized, misdiagnosed or dismissed.
    Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Perpetuating ageism diminishes all of us.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The change reflects assessment that downside risks from a severe and prolonged tariff shock have diminished after US duties on Thai exports were reduced to levels broadly in line with regional peers, Moody’s said in a statement Tuesday.
    Bloomberg, Bloomberg, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Over the past few decades, many American politicians and Christian clergy have disparaged Islam and its believers.
    Anna Piela, The Conversation, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Trump has disparaged the United States’ NATO allies for their reluctance to join the war.
    Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Sportsbooks are constantly boasting about their protections and trying to denigrate those offered by competitors.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Calling his father and uncle gusanos — or worms, a Spanish-language term coined by Castro to denigrate those fleeing the island — the agent seized the bank and in an instant dispossessed a family that arrived from Spain in the 16th century.
    Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Wolves coach Chris Finch criticized his team’s lack of composure.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
  • One of the easier things to do is criticize without offering solutions.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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