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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  • China refused to participate in the arbitration and has not fully complied with the ruling, causing some commentators to dismiss the significance of the case.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Beth Arbuckle and Wells Fargo agreed to dismiss the December 2024 case filed in federal court for the Western District of North Carolina, according to a joint stipulation filed Friday.
    — Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • While retinol on its own can be irritating, especially on sensitive skin, applying it as a moisturizer can help minimize irritation and soothe the skin—a genius product, IMO.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 July 2026
  • The point is not to minimize every token, just as manufacturers do not minimize every raw material.
    — Dr. Suresh Rajappa, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • The flood of content drew more young people into the demonstrations and underscored the diminishing influence of traditional media in India among Gen Z.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • Workers seek transparency regarding AI's impact on their roles, assurance against job losses, and confidence that their value isn't diminished.
    — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Republican lawmakers roundly criticized those programs, but also accepted the funding, Smith said.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • Officiating has been a major contention point, with players like Napheesa Collier previously criticizing the league.
    — Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • And at a White House cage fight, a former first lady was brazenly disparaged.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of disparage

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Cite this Entry

“Denigrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denigrate. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on denigrate

Nglish: Translation of denigrate for Spanish Speakers

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