DEROGATIVE Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

derogative

adjective

Definition of derogative

as in insulting

intended to make a person or thing seem of little importance or value used a common derogative word for lawyers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for derogative

Adjective

But to propose trading him for anything short of a fourth-round pick is insulting.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Afterward, Lisa brags about her pickpocketing skills and says theft is easier and less insulting to the mark.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of insulting

Adjective

Colorado State issued an apology in September after fans targeted BYU and the Mormon church with derogatory chants.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
And there’s been so much written and said about Matthew over the years that’s really been sensationalized or derogatory.

— Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of derogatory

Adjective

The point is, the term is meant to be pejorative, used to describe — and let’s face it, judge — the most exaggerated form of plastic surgery, politics aside.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Calling something a white wine thriller could be interpreted as pejorative, if not sexist.

— Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of pejorative

Adjective

Felix points to Trump’s disparaging and false comments against Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, which put a target on the back of many Haitian immigrants.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
The irony is that Trump has been more disparaging and dismissive of the military than any other president.

— Joe Garofoli, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026

Definition of disparaging

Adjective

Neither party admitted to liability and each agreed to refrain from making disparaging, negative or uncomplimentary statements about the other, the document said.

— Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 29 July 2022
Though the pollen gunk will pass, he's concerned by a contingent of Twitter trolls who've shared uncomplimentary reviews of his recent North American tour.

— Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE.com, 21 Jan. 2022

Definition of uncomplimentary

Adjective

This subsided with unusual speed, however, as cricket fans took instead to sharing the self-deprecatory jokes coming over the border.

— The Economist, The Economist, 22 June 2019
Philipps has acquired her 1-million-and-growing Instagram followers through her self-deprecatory humor, raw honesty and vulnerability.

— Sonja Haller, USA TODAY, 11 July 2018

Definition of deprecatory

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Browse Nearby Words

derogations

derogative

derogatory

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Style

“Derogative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derogative. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of derogative

adjective

Example Sentences

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