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 Meanwhile, Walmart is raising prices, Canada is mad at us and our cultural icons are disparaged. Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 Aside from the messages that disparaged the defendant, others showed Proctor sharing with his friends details about the victim and the investigation more broadly. Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 2 June 2025 Ye makes disparaging remarks on The Breakfast Club about his ex Amber Rose’s past as a stripper. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 May 2025 Tough one This is not to disparage yesterday’s official scorer. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for disparage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage
Verb
  • Social media companies have already gotten several claims dismissed, including a claim of unjust enrichment, Goetz said, because Nazario failed to respond to them.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
  • The Post, like much of New York city’s establishment, was already dismissing Mamdani as too extreme to win in the Democratic mayoral primary.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Specifically, their proprietary algorithms forecast store and product sales across millions of SKUs and diverse product lines to maximize inventory turns, minimize overstock and, importantly, drive sales.
    Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • The couple's wedding planners told Fox News Digital that Bezos and Sánchez specifically instructed them to minimize the disruptions to the best of their ability out of respect to the locals.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025
  • Flagg won’t be the only rookie cashing in: Every first-round selection in this year’s draft is projected to earn a seven-figure salary, although each slot has a diminishing value.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • At a time when establishing clarity of first principles has never been more urgent, UF’s law school practically dared anyone to criticize the award for whitewashing the Constitution.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
  • Environmental groups lobbied for the 8.3% increase versus something higher, but also criticized the water authority for not solving its problems sooner.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • From social media to legacy media news stories to co-ed classrooms to streaming platforms to advertisements featuring only young women, young males today are bombarded with messages that denigrate their identity (‘toxic’) and question their relevance.
    Andrew Reiner, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2025
  • This legislation would promote the St. Louis Cardinals and denigrate the Royals, who won two of three games last week at Busch Stadium. Schroer, who is representing St. Charles County, is either making a joke or doesn’t seem all that interested in tackling the difficult decisions in the state.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • My only concern is this: don’t belittle storied teams from continents other than Europe for taking this one seriously and with passion.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • No matter how often Ferd strikes and belittles her, Isabelle always manages to brush herself off and turn her pain into art.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disparage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparage. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disparage

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