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 Jason Arday, a neurodivergent Black Cambridge professor who was feted as a wunderkind by some and denigrated as a fabulist by others, resigned earlier this month amidst accusations of plagiarism. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026 Glass also noted that the district policy requires that instruction about religion be academic rather than devotional, and that no faith may be promoted or denigrated. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Arday became the focus of hundreds of articles doubting his credibility and denigrating his character in the British and international media. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026 Campaigning for Larson in the district, Murphy denigrated Bronin’s eight years as Hartford’s mayor. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for denigrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denigrate
  1. dismiss
  2. minimize
  3. diminish
  4. criticize
  5. disparage
Verb
  • But Smith dismissed the idea that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was trying to boost his chances in upcoming domestic elections.
    — Samantha Subin,CJ Haddad,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Also Tuesday, just after court was dismissed, Dawn Light, 56, of Sutton, Massachusetts, was arrested outside the courthouse in Plymouth, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police confirmed.
    — Blayne Alexander, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • That dynamic undoubtedly minimizes the adjustment associated with staff upheaval.
    — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Mazama Energy’s demonstrated superhot rock platform optimizes well construction, drilling, and stimulation to boost power capacity while minimizing water use, land footprint, and well counts.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • At least one expert said that some workers could have access to oxygen, but others warned that the chances of finding survivors were diminishing.
    — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Violence diminishes its victims, forcing everyone to play a single thankless role.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • The move came days after Stephens publicly criticized EMCC and Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference leadership over changes to the league’s football schedule and playoff format.
    — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also defended the decision to increase bond purchases earlier last month, after investor Stanley Druckenmiller criticized the move.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • His disparaging remarks about Muslims, transgender people and others drew outrage from many who argued the racist and hateful language was an attempt to stoke tensions on campus and should not be platformed by colleges and universities.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Someone briskly assessing workmanship or disparaging a social inferior?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of disparage

Browse Nearby Words

denies
denigrate
denigrated
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Cite this Entry

“Denigrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denigrate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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