Synonym Chooser

How does the verb depreciate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of depreciate are belittle, decry, and disparage. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

When is belittle a more appropriate choice than depreciate?

While in some cases nearly identical to depreciate, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

In what contexts can decry take the place of depreciate?

The words decry and depreciate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit.

decried their defeatist attitude

When might disparage be a better fit than depreciate?

Although the words disparage and depreciate have much in common, disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison.

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

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 depreciate Health compounds; things depreciate. Big Think, 18 Sep. 2025 And cars are a depreciating asset. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025 Live games are particularly vulnerable to theft because the content’s value quickly depreciates after an event is over, leaving authorities with a small window to shut down individual broadcasts. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Today, the 2002 Ford Mustang has depreciated $431 or 12% in the last three years and has a current resale value of $2,910 and trade-in value of $1,506. Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for depreciate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depreciate
Verb
  • To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Autos Are an Economic Anchor China’s bold move into electric vehicles began in 2009 as a top-down policy to compete with foreign automakers, cut air pollution and reduce oil imports.
    Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Seven of those charged previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and prosecutors moved to dismiss their felony counts.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Olguin dismissed the case in 2022 after finding Elden’s claims were time-barred without addressing the substance of his allegations.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The depression, hormonal and physical changes, feeling unheard with your health care provider, treated like another number, and being devalued as weak in general.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 25 Sep. 2025
  • If the veracity and reliability of government data are regularly criticized and devalued by the administration anytime the facts contradict the administration’s positions, and those who speak out are at risk of losing their jobs, trust in all government data, and the agencies themselves, erodes.
    Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Zeldin’s cuts have diminished the EPA’s staffing levels, even before Congress has had a chance to weigh in, affecting the environment, public health and government transparency.
    Chris Sellers, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Though the region’s trade reliance on Washington has rapidly diminished as China has become its biggest market, several nations still rely on the US for a large share of their exports, the loss of which would put millions of livelihoods at risk.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Your advisor may also recommend tax strategies, based on your financial goals, to help minimize your yearly and lifetime tax liability.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • At the time, Lee minimizes the bombshell by way of embellishment.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The outlet said many criticized his behavior, labeling it racist, sexist, or out of touch.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Locally, the response was more complicated, with police frequently criticized for their use of force and tear gas.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

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