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

For an administration that famously denigrates Chicago, Friday was a notably good day for federal money for the city’s historic status as a rail hub. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

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

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