denigrate

verb

ˈde-ni-ˌgrāt How to pronounce denigrate (audio)
Definition of denigratenext
as in to dismiss
to express scornfully one's low opinion of theater critics have been denigrating her acting ability for years

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 denigrate By denigrating the foundation of our democracy, Trump is willfully eroding it. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2026 This isn't about denigrating the other players in the league. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026 That is not to denigrate the achievements of Klose who, as well as his life-defining performances at the World Cup, had a good club career in Europe and remains his country’s all-time top scorer. — Will Jeanes, New York Times, 22 June 2026 And denigrating to my sister Linda, me, Brad Howell, John Davis and Charles Shaw. — Chris Willman, Variety, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for denigrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denigrate
  1. dismiss
  2. minimize
  3. diminish
  4. criticize
  5. disparage
Verb
  • Ray Wilkins was appointed manager and Fulham finished sixth — but Al Fayed was not satisfied, dismissing Wilkins and handing the job to Keegan.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Huffy, a brand once dismissed by some but historically durable and even Olympic-raced, has successfully reinvented itself in the e-bike market.
    — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • McCabe said that one of the goals is to minimize impacts on homeowners and businesses that are along the route.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • A lot of effort has gone into finding ways to minimize or eliminate off-target edits.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • None of these concerns diminish the strength of the Jersey Mike’s brand.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • At 28 years old, clubs will also factor in his diminishing resale value.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • The rivalry between New York and Florida — and California and Florida, too — has also become heated as the wealthy have publicly criticized blue states and announced their decisions to relocate.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • The bodycam video also sparked reaction online, with several conservative accounts criticizing Hostin for invoking her legal background during the encounter.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • The judge also reiterated an earlier order for neither Mortensen nor Taylor to make disparaging remarks about the other on social media.
    — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • Any athlete chatting with a fan in disparaging ways about another player shows questionable judgment.
    — Jason Jones, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of disparage

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denigrate
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Cite this Entry

“Denigrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denigrate. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on denigrate

Nglish: Translation of denigrate for Spanish Speakers

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