deprecatory

adjective

ˈde-pri-kə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce deprecatory (audio)
Definition of deprecatorynext
as in slighting
intended to make a person or thing seem of little importance or value he typically followed up any mention of his accomplishments with some deprecatory comments about his perceived failures

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 deprecatory This subsided with unusual speed, however, as cricket fans took instead to sharing the self-deprecatory jokes coming over the border. — 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 What the show is really selling is the Chang attitude and mystique, a combination of ego, exactitude, foul-mouthed rebelliousness and self-deprecatory nerdiness. — Mike Hale, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deprecatory
  1. insulting
  2. derogatory
  3. pejorative
  4. malicious
  5. uncomplimentary
  6. scornful
  7. contemptuous
  8. disdainful
Adjective
  • Considering there were only 33 appearances this past season, such Heat prudence hardly could be viewed as insulting.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • What Florence has been doing is consistent and insulting.
    — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
Definition of insulting
Adjective
  • Silvia Federici, a longtime feminist writer, thinker and professor, said that gossip's derogatory transformation reflected societal shifts.
    — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 16 July 2026
  • Trump has repeatedly made derogatory and racist comments about immigrants, including calling them criminals and falsely saying that Haitians eat cats and dogs.
    — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
Definition of derogatory
Adjective
  • But that pejorative term isn’t reserved only for those in pop or rock music.
    — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2026
  • Wilder has been criticized so often for the pejorative descriptions of Indigenous people in the book series that in 2018, a division of the American Library Association removed her name from a prestigious achievement award for children’s literature.
    — Emily Staunton, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026
Definition of pejorative
Adjective
  • Ransomware is a type of malicious software that restricts access to computer files, systems, or networks, according to the FBI.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • Rodriguez pleaded guilty to damaging property occupied by a foreign government, explosive materials—malicious damage to federal property, and receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of malicious
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
  • Tribunals have been appointed, and Coriolanus’ scornful elitism strikes them as too heavy a price for his military protection.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Atletico did not believe this was a serious attempt to sign the player, and reacted with more angry and scornful social media posts.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Definition of scornful
Adjective
  • The man didn’t catch Serena’s contemptuous expression, however, too busy peeling bills from a money clip and pressing them into his date’s hand.
    — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • The fantasy of transforming a cold or contemptuous man through the sheer force of one’s love has caused real harm, and the critique of it is warranted.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026
Definition of contemptuous
Adjective
  • Amusingly enough, someone who was neither perplexed nor disdainful was a young cast member by the name of Stephen Colbert.
    — Kelly Leonard, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • His whole behavior toward women is so disdainful.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 17 June 2026
Definition of disdainful

Browse Nearby Words

deprecations
deprecatory
depreciate
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Cite this Entry

“Deprecatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deprecatory. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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