Synonyms of depreciate

depreciate

verb

di-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt 

1

as in to reduce

to diminish the price or value of

a faded finish will really depreciate your car when you decide to trade it in

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduce
• devalue
• depress
• devaluate
• cheapen
• lower
• sink
• attenuate
• shrink
• downgrade
• write down
• mark down
• write off
• debase
• break
• undervalue
• underestimate
• underrate
• underprice
• demonetize
• lessen
• compress
• dwindle
• deflate
• moderate
• downsize
• abridge
• contract
• de-escalate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• appreciate
• enhance
• upgrade
• inflate
• mark up
• increase
• overestimate
• blow up
• add
• extend
• expand
• maximize
• augment
• multiply
• overvalue
• escalate
• raise
• enlarge
• heighten
• amplify
• swell
• dilate
• overrate
• bloat
• boost
• overprice
• compound
• up
• aggrandize
• balloon

2

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of

dared to depreciate Shakespeare, saying his works have no relevance for modern audiences

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dismiss
• diminish
• minimize
• criticize
• disparage
• denigrate
• deprecate
• derogate
• belittle
• discount
• decry
• talk down
• dislike
• run down
• condemn
• denounce
• play down
• dump on
• write off
• bad-mouth
• cry down
• discredit
• poor-mouth
• trash
• trash-talk
• put down
• dis
• scold
• vilipend
• kiss off
• abuse
• disapprove (of)
• vilify
• defame
• slander
• malign
• discommend
• disgrace
• rip
• censure
• traduce
• reprehend
• asperse
• slur
• reprobate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exalt
• applaud
• glorify
• praise
• magnify
• approve
• extol
• recommend
• favor
• endorse
• laud
• sanction
• countenance
• commend
• acclaim
• compliment
• eulogize

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

Recent Examples of depreciate

In the previous item, though, Hulsey depreciated another of Page’s interpretations that did not agree with his opinion. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026

The importance of the backlot sets, sound stages, and even the rapidly depreciating film libraries is overstated. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026

Businesses already get to pay less taxes on equipment, such as computers or machinery, as their value depreciates over time. —Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025

Iran's theocracy faces a growing squeeze from the country's rapidly depreciating rial currency and economic sanctions imposed due to Tehran's nuclear program. —Nasser Karimi, Arkansas Online, 14 Dec. 2025