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 Link was captured on Ring camera footage mocking and belittling Jimenez after shooting him, prosecutors say. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 To belittle the journalist asking about these claims in such sexist terms is astonishing. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026 Johannes acts as a stand-in for all the shitty men women in music have to deal with, the ones who condescend, belittle, mansplain, and gaslight. Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 26 Jan. 2026 This year begins with the familiar sound of politicians belittling each other and seeking attention by any means. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
Verb
  • However, these picture-perfect images are often dismissed as advertisements that ignore the far less glamorous issues in the destination, including human rights abuses.
    Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Prosecutors dismissed doxxing charges in the Baldwin Park case after a Homeland Security investigator told the court the address that protesters shouted on the livestream was a few houses away from where Reyes lived.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026
  • By minimizing these internal losses, the motor can maintain higher efficiency across a wide range of operating conditions.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • After a decade of dramatic growth, homelessness programs now face a period of diminishing resources.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Advocates say that level of disenrollment will sharply diminish the state’s health care system as a whole, by robbing hospitals and clinics of revenue.
    Andrew Graham March 9, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Councilmember Vickie Paladino filed a lawsuit against the City Council Monday in an effort to stop a disciplinary process against her for a series of posts disparaging Muslims.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The censure resolution also stated her social media posts divulged and misrepresented confidential closed session information and disparaged the superintendent and board members.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In recent years, the regime has also sought, successfully, to use online smear campaigns to divide and denigrate the Iranian opposition.
    Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2026
  • By denigrating those who protest.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • An ardent supporter of military action against Iran, Graham criticized Israel in a social media post on Sunday regarding the strikes on the oil facilities.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Instead, federal health officials criticized Democrats broadly, arguing that blue states are participating in fraud and mismanagement of federal funds in public health programs.
    Angela Hart, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on belittle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster