disparage

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disparage contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disparage are belittle, decry, and depreciate. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison.

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

When might belittle be a better fit than disparage?

The meanings of belittle and disparage largely overlap; however, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

When is decry a more appropriate choice than disparage?

The synonyms decry and disparage are sometimes interchangeable, but decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit.

decried their defeatist attitude

When is it sensible to use depreciate instead of disparage?

While the synonyms depreciate and disparage are close in meaning, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

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 disparage In the video with Edwards that has just come to light, CHD once again uses the situation to disparage MMR vaccines. ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2025 Multiple political action committees have also dumped hundreds of thousands of dollars into the election, either propping up their preferred candidates or muddying what had been a clean race with mailers and campaign literature disparaging their opponents. Devan Patel, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025 The steps to scale back climate research are the latest in a series of actions the administration has used to disparage decades of climate science and atmospheric research under both Republican and Democrat presidencies. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025 Booker’s Senate stunt was a means to portray himself as a great orator, a leader who is empathetic to the average individual disparaged by billionaire types and President Donald Trump. Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disparage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage
Verb
  • The announcement comes after a jury candidate was dismissed on the first day of Combs' trial due to her connection to the publishing company.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • When Trump left the presidency in 2021, the court dismissed the case as moot, leaving the constitutional provision largely untested and unresolved.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Each peptide tackles a different task (like minimizing expression lines or fading dark spots), while calming cica and barrier-loving oils like olive, jojoba, and moringa keep skin nourished and soothed.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 8 May 2025
  • Recycling reduces environmental strain by minimizing waste and the need for new resources.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2025
  • Trump also alluded briefly to the diminishing trade between the U.S. and China in the wake of the tariff standoff when a reporter asked about falling container volumes at U.S. ports.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • The late pope criticized both laissez-faire capitalism and state-centric socialism, giving shape to a distinctly Catholic vein of economic teaching.
    Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • Several Democratic members of Congress criticized her firing.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Recommending most investors just own an S & P 500 index fund — and suggesting individual stocks are too risky for most people — comes across as denigrating your abilities.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2025
  • His comments drew furious rebukes from his federal election rivals who accused him of denigrating the nation.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rivals in Defensive Player of the Year discussions for nearly a decade, Green has often belittled Gobert and his impact on the court.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 6 May 2025
  • If she feels belittled by him in any way, that's a different conversation.
    Malaka Gharib, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disparage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparage. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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