Synonyms of denigrate

denigrate

verb

ˈde-ni-ˌgrāt 

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of

theater critics have been denigrating her acting ability for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of denigrate

Trump’s preference for immediate gratification explains many of his decisions, including defunding scientific and medical research, accelerating fossil-fuel emissions, and denigrating American soft power globally. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Newsom’s film speaks directly to harm inflicted on young women who are routinely denigrated on social media and who face constant scrutiny of their appearance and comportment through online platforms. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026

Some of the reason for this is rooted in a foreign influence campaign designed to denigrate America’s artificial intelligence dominance so that China, in particular, can dominate the technology and jobs of the future. — Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2026

Excluded from jobs and housing, some of these new arrivals had turned to Islam as a welcoming alternative to the white society that denigrated them. — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026

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