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 Between dumb debt that finances depreciating anything, and smart investments that raise the roof, and have the potential for appreciation. John Hope Bryant, Time, 30 May 2025 Two years ago Congress eliminated the ability of team owners to immediately depreciate the value of tangible assets of their franchises. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 22 May 2025 Despite a recent policy reversal, Turkey’s currency continues to depreciate. Ahmet T. Kuru, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025 Plaza Accord refers to an agreement signed in 1985 when G5 nations agreed to depreciate the U.S. dollar against the German mark and the Japanese yen to address trade imbalances. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for depreciate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depreciate
Verb
  • Only a system designed with these principles can truly protect your organization, reduce losses and maintain trust with your honest customers.
    Marcin Nowak, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • All evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Kiser's attorneys also filed a notice to dismiss some agencies from the lawsuit, and the court sealed a declaration Kiser wrote about this case.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • Last month, Fernando Casas-Gamboa’s attorney filed a motion to dismiss the indictment, alleging that ICE is wrongly detaining his client on immigration grounds despite Major ordering his pre-trial release in the criminal case.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Notably both gold and crypto share one great characteristic: They are designed to remove holders from the whims of government — all governments — which have historically devalued their currencies to buy the votes of the public.
    Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
  • Back in 2020, the U.S. Treasury, under the first Trump administration, labeled Switzerland a currency manipulator, accusing it of deliberately devaluing the Swiss franc against the greenback.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • The perception that Iran’s military strength is significantly diminished will raise questions about the stability of its political system.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
  • This includes employing a repeatable data migration approach that minimizes the risk of unsuccessful implementations and ensures high-quality data that aligns with business goals.
    Rajnish Nath, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Several Make America Great Again (MAGA) figures, such as Laura Loomer, are criticizing Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over his ties to the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting.
    Mandy Taheri Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • Dominican born, and now a U.S. citizen, Almanzar criticized the flurry of ICE arrests across the city.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

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