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

Relevance

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 Trump has long disparaged NATO and sought to get other members of the alliance to boost their defense spending. —

Michael Loria, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 The sewer label was initially a disparaging remark from a Socialist leader, who thought figures like Hoan were overly practical, boasting about their sanitation systems instead of political theory. —

Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026 The Vallejo City Unified School District has severed ties with a third-party contractor after its president made disparaging remarks about the city and engaged in conduct inconsistent with district policies, the school district said in a statement. —

Aldo Toledo, San Francisco Chronicle, 31 Mar. 2026 The 53-year-old sci-fi novelist came under fire this week for making several disparaging remarks about the shows on the Critical Drinker podcast. —

Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage

Verb

But in the motion to dismiss, McCallum said the shooter did not touch the railing.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
The deal dismissed charges of first-degree murder, tampering with a human body, burglary and theft from his case.

— Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026