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
  • As Black women mourn her loss and grapple with the realities of a capitalist system that devalues our lives and labor, we are comforted by the legacy Assata Shakur leaves behind.
    Essence, Essence, 30 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
  • Their patches of habitat and their water sources are diminishing; their feeding timeline has grown increasingly erratic, and more barricades are being built all the time, limiting their freedom of movement.
    Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
  • And another sign the perception is of a Panthers team diminished.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Amen Thompson wasn’t going to be counted on as Houston’s primary ballhandler until Fred VanVleet’s injury, but the Rockets should be leaning on Thompson as a point guard going forward, especially to minimize Thompson’s lack of shooting.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s a handsome Japanese cutting board that’s designed to minimize stress on your hand and lengthen the life of your chef’s knives.
    Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some council members have criticized the proposal, citing a lack of communication and calling the move premature.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • So far, the league’s response has been not to fix the issue but, instead, to levy fines against players and coaches who criticize refs.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

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