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 The Indian rupee has been depreciating against the U.S. dollar this week, but the government has enough foreign exchange reserves to stem any excessive currency moves, sources within the government said. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025 Without full expensing, these costs must be depreciated over many years, reducing the present value of tax benefits. Veronique De Rugy, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025 In these markets, homes are already sitting on the market longer and home values are expected to depreciate, according to Divounguy. Justin L. MacK, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025 Shifting perception added to industry problems, as watches, once viewed as solid investments, are now seen as mostly depreciating assets. Garth Friesen, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for depreciate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depreciate
Verb
  • Trump, who took office on January 20, campaigned heavily on the economy, vowing to reduce inflation and impose tariffs on some of the country's closest trading partners like Mexico and Canada, citing concerns over drugs, immigration, and trade deficits.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Introduced late in the first decade of the 2000s, the program was revived in 2022 as part of a series of insurance reforms that aimed to reduce litigation — and insurance company failures.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But in October, 2023, Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar, whose office prosecutes crimes across the county, decided to drop charges after a motion to dismiss was filed by the defense.
    Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Along with pardoning some 1,500 Jan. 6 convicts, Trump’s DOJ moved to dismiss all pending Jan. 6 prosecutions in the District of Columbia.
    Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Coins like this, which can significantly devalue in a matter of hours, can be distressing introductions to the world of investing.
    Maximilian Brichta, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025
  • After all, as Trump himself has remarked, the Russian economy is under severe strain, with double-digit inflation, a currency which is devaluing, and record deficits.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And so my part was always diminished in his presence.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 2 Feb. 2025
  • The production of melanocytes (skin cells that synthesize melanin) diminishes, leading to the appearance of gray hair.
    Marie Courtois, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The padded insole offers support and comfort for hours of walking, and the skid-resistant outsole minimizes slipping.
    Ali Faccenda, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Your adviser should not be investing your assets in a way that minimizes your returns in order to satisfy the objectives of custodians who are more interested in maximizing their income than ensuring that your adviser continues to satisfy his clients’ objectives.
    Elliot Raphaelson, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Amid signs vowing to fight the deportation of immigrants and criticizing the policies of President Donald Trump at a rally was one held by a young man putting the effort on a highly personal level.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Some have criticized general manager Nico Harrison for giving up one of the NBA’s best players in his prime without fielding multiple offers.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near depreciate

Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

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