DISPARAGE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

disparage

verb

di-ˈsper-ij

Definition of disparage next

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of disparaged polo as a sport for the idle rich

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Many of these Catholic newcomers, fleeing famine and persecution, were disparaged as poor, illiterate and superstitious. —

Matthew Smith, The Conversation, 8 June 2026 The county civil grand jury concluded the school board canceled the contract based on a misrepresentation of the facts, failed to act in students’ best interest, disparaged the school community and took actions that were supposed to be handled by district staff. —

Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026 Pelley charged the new management, under Bari Weiss, with conduct that would disgrace any self-respecting news organization, disparage its staff’s integrity and force people with uncompromising principles to leave. —

Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2026 Garbarino, the chairman, who is White, said House rules don’t allow disparaging members of Congress, witnesses like Mullin, or the president or vice president. —

Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage

Verb

The charges of using a computer to commit a crime and interfering with a telecommunications device were dismissed, according to prosecutors.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 11 June 2026
In January 2021, Erickson was charged with one misdemeanor count of reckless driving, but the charge was later dismissed, his lawyer Mark Werksman told The New York Times.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026