Synonyms of disparage

disparage

verb

di-ˈsper-ij 

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of

disparaged polo as a sport for the idle rich

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dismiss
• minimize
• diminish
• criticize
• denigrate
• belittle
• derogate
• decry
• deprecate
• bad-mouth
• depreciate
• denounce
• condemn
• discount
• dislike
• talk down
• discredit
• run down
• dump on
• play down
• write off
• trash-talk
• cry down
• scold
• poor-mouth
• trash
• dis
• put down
• vilipend
• kiss off
• vilify
• defame
• disapprove (of)
• abuse
• malign
• slander
• disgrace
• discommend
• censure
• traduce
• slur
• rip
• asperse
• reprehend
• reprobate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• applaud
• exalt
• praise
• extol
• glorify
• endorse
• recommend
• approve
• magnify
• favor
• laud
• commend
• sanction
• countenance
• acclaim
• compliment
• eulogize

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

Recent Examples of disparage

Obviously designed to give LSU an advantage by adding more physically advanced and developed players, that tactic was immediately disparaged by opposing coaches, NFL coaches and, more importantly, the SEC itself. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

The complaint alleges the withdrawal resulted directly from false and disparaging statements the Warriors made about her performance and professional conduct. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026

Never mind that she will be disparaged if her lips remain plain or her lashes lack the necessary coat of mascara, that caterpillar thickness. — Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026

His disparaging remarks about Muslims, transgender people and others drew outrage from many who argued the racist and hateful language was an attempt to stoke tensions on campus and should not be platformed by colleges and universities. — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

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