denigratory

adjective

Definition of denigratorynext
as in insulting
intended to make a person or thing seem of little importance or value a denigratory observation that the novel wasn't half bad—considering it was written by an actor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for denigratory
  1. insulting
  2. derogatory
  3. malicious
  4. pejorative
  5. uncomplimentary
  6. demeaning
  7. deprecatory
  8. degrading
Adjective
  • His short, curt answers, or nonanswers are comedy for some, arrogant or insulting to others, especially when fans want an explanation for one of his decisions.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But to propose trading him for anything short of a fourth-round pick is insulting.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of insulting
Adjective
  • His campaign faced significant backlash in September after social media posts containing slurs against people with disabilities, derogatory language about LGBTQ+ people and language appearing to allude to a racial slur surfaced online.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Colorado State issued an apology in September after fans targeted BYU and the Mormon church with derogatory chants.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of derogatory
Adjective
  • Authorities have described the more than two dozen threats as malicious hoaxes, and no actual attacks have been carried out.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Iran has been linked to at least one incident in Israel earlier in the spring, though that breach involved a lot more sophistication and malicious activity.
    — Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of malicious
Adjective
  • It was labeled a foreign agent, a designation that carries strong pejorative connotations and implies additional government scrutiny.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The point is, the term is meant to be pejorative, used to describe — and let’s face it, judge — the most exaggerated form of plastic surgery, politics aside.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of pejorative
Adjective
  • Neither party admitted to liability and each agreed to refrain from making disparaging, negative or uncomplimentary statements about the other, the document said.
    — Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 29 July 2022
  • Though the pollen gunk will pass, he's concerned by a contingent of Twitter trolls who've shared uncomplimentary reviews of his recent North American tour.
    — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE.com, 21 Jan. 2022
Definition of uncomplimentary
Adjective
  • Even a mandate as simple as removing racist or demeaning school mascots has depended more on districts’ voluntary compliance than force.
    — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Her demeaning behavior toward her boyfriend makes the letter writer reconsider their friendship.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of demeaning
Adjective
  • This subsided with unusual speed, however, as cricket fans took instead to sharing the self-deprecatory jokes coming over the border.
    — The Economist, The Economist, 22 June 2019
  • Philipps has acquired her 1-million-and-growing Instagram followers through her self-deprecatory humor, raw honesty and vulnerability.
    — Sonja Haller, USA TODAY, 11 July 2018
Definition of deprecatory
Adjective
  • At Fuerte Guaicaipuro, a military facility, investigators documented detainees being confined in pit-like cells dug below ground level and subjected to cold, food deprivation and other degrading treatment.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The beating can look degrading, but the check might protect opportunities for hundreds of athletes who never appear in the game.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of degrading
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.

Browse Nearby Words

denigrators
denigratory
denims
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Cite this Entry

“Denigratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denigratory. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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