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 Its currency has depreciated, which has made its exports cheaper. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025 Spurs have had little to worry about from a profit and sustainability rules (PSR) position, as despite being loss-making, that loss is driven by roughly £70million annual cost of depreciating Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for depreciate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depreciate
Verb
  • Tax rises would likely act as another damper on inflation by reducing consumer demand.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Researchers also stressed that the synergistic effect of K+ and C3N4 co-intercalation lowers the energy barrier, reduces the electrostatic interaction, and enhances the kinetics and structural stability.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • On Wednesday, in documents obtained by Rolling Stone, a California superior court judge overseeing the lawsuit ruled in favor of Kardashian and the anti-SLAPP motion, effectively dismissing the other Cantu’s lawsuit, though the judge left open the possibility of an appeal.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
  • This company’s approach to pest control begins with a philosophy that dismisses the business-as-usual assumptions.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The threat of more efficient, devaluing production models to the livelihoods of artisans is historically clear.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The result is a marketplace where creativity is devalued and ownership is optional.
    Gerard Scimeca, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In the end, the power of the Cheney name was greatly diminished in GOP politics.
    Don Gonyea, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The business community is bracing to wake up Wednesday reminded of their diminishing power in their own backyard.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Like machines, most companies are designed to create efficient, predictable outcomes; minimize risk; and eliminate variation.
    Jana Werner, Harvard Business Review, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The medication contains a small amount of radioactive material, which means it must be handled carefully to minimize radiation exposure.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • House Democrats swiftly criticized the Senate.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Bibelheimer also had good reason to criticize the film, as Ferrell’s portrayal of her was wildly at odds with the truth.
    Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

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