derogatory

adjective

di-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce derogatory (audio)
Definition of derogatorynext
as in insulting
intended to make a person or thing seem of little importance or value fans made a steady stream of derogatory remarks about the players on the visiting team

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 derogatory Tweets about Cunningham, thinkpieces, and rebuttals have all swirled into an endless mass of controversy — one dominated by derogatory rhetoric, threats, and anti-trans memes. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026 The Webster Wallace profile is responsible for several other derogatory posts about the mayor, as well. — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026 Shame on both The Denver Post and The Chicago Tribune for either not recognizing or not editing out this derogatory paragraph. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2026 The complaint alleges that, in June 2025, an attorney with the Reinken firm sent a photo of Goff to the group chat and made derogatory comments about her. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for derogatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derogatory
  1. insulting
  2. pejorative
  3. demeaning
  4. malicious
  5. disparaging
  6. uncomplimentary
  7. degrading
  8. deprecatory
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
  • 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
  • Even a mandate as simple as removing racist or demeaning school mascots has depended more on districts’ voluntary compliance than force.
    — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Her demeaning behavior toward her boyfriend makes the letter writer reconsider their friendship.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of demeaning
Adjective
  • Can someone manipulate them through prompt injection or malicious data into crossing those boundaries?
    — Alex Spokoiny, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Name the pattern Most bloviators aren't malicious, in my experience; it's just become their style.
    — Dorie Clark, Contributor, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of malicious
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
  • At Fuerte Guaicaipuro, a military facility, investigators documented detainees being confined in pit-like cells dug below ground level and subjected to cold, food deprivation and other degrading treatment.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The beating can look degrading, but the check might protect opportunities for hundreds of athletes who never appear in the game.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of degrading
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

Browse Nearby Words

derogative
derogatory
derriere
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Cite this Entry

“Derogatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derogatory. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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