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 Many older Rivian vehicles have depreciated significantly, based on used model pricing. Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025 Their infidelities have left the people of 2119 trapped between loving the expansive then and the depreciated now. Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 For chief financial officers (CFOs), noticing early warning signs can make the difference between doubling down on a high-potential initiative or having to redeploy capital before returns depreciate. Matthew Ross, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Health compounds; things depreciate. Big Think, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for depreciate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depreciate
Verb
  • As part of a plea agreement, the murder charge was reduced to involuntary manslaughter, and the remaining charges were dismissed.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Additional heavy rainfall is possible beyond Saturday; however, uncertainty in Melissa's track and forward speed reduces confidence in exact totals.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Venables was dismissed early in the next campaign following three straight defeats, but Lineker went on to net another 20 times that season, helping win the Copa del Rey under Luis Aragones.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Court rules don't allow plaintiffs to submit additional evidence to counter a motion to dismiss, Alex said.
    Paul Egan, Freep.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Britain did have to devalue after burning through billions of pounds trying to defeat the speculators.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
  • One week before the 2023 draft, Roseman was asked about how the Eagles benefited from not devaluing a future pick compared to a present-day pick.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Although there may be some lingering tension between Turning Point and the Wisconsin GOP, resistance to the group is diminishing, party officials said.
    Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Coleman also pushed back against the notion that enthusiasm for AI diminishes the value of human work.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Learn how to prevent gas leaks, minimize carbon monoxide risks, and safely use your gas range by following these essential tips and safety precautions.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Atlanta scored first on a 38-yard field goal from Parker Romo, but that came after Huff and Sam Okuayinonu split a third-down sack to minimize a 19-play, 10 ½-minute drive.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The prince was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein's victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Andrew was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein’s victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

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