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 Like cars, smartphones depreciate rapidly and the pre-order period is when the device is at its most expensive. Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 The Turkish lira depreciated almost 13% against the greenback since the start of the year. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 July 2025 The home’s value has appreciated significantly, but our relationship has depreciated significantly. Christopher A. Combs, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025 How popular car models depreciate over time Kelley Blue Book provided us with the same data points: the average MSRP compared with KBB fair price today for a number of popular 2023 models. Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for depreciate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depreciate
Verb
  • Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
  • Morning dopamine spikes from phone use reduce your motivation to pursue slower, more meaningful tasks later.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The felony charges were dismissed with prejudice, meaning they can't be refiled.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • Doctors dismissed the spider bite and didn’t give her a clear explanation.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Cardholders report that rewards are devalued, denied, disappeared, or fine-printed to oblivion, their actual redemption details dramatically different from their marketing materials.
    Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
  • In a world where the U.S. national debt is growing, the only way to get out of this situation is to devalue it.
    Georgii Verbitskii, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the cultural visibility of this incomparable art has been diminishing for years, at least in this country.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2025
  • This can look like: Taking accountability for your actions or lack thereof without deflecting responsibility or minimizing its impact.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Many airlines have long relied on aging computer systems, and the aviation industry has been criticized for failing to modernize swiftly.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 22 July 2025
  • During the 2024 presidential election, for instance, conservatives criticized Kamala Harris for tweeting support in 2020 for the Minnesota Freedom Fund.
    Meg Anderson, NPR, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

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