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

Clayburn further testified that Gonzalez and her family routinely disparaged Avery in front of his daughter. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026

In Sugar Land, Texas, a 90-foot statue of the deity Hanuman, consecrated in 2024 at a temple complex, continues to draw disparaging comments, including one YouTube personality who recently urged its demolition. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Republicans have dumped hundreds of millions into the race to support Paxton, even as there have been leaks of audio clips of Paxton appearing to disparage national involvement in the race. — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

The Judicial Qualifications Commission enforces an extensive code of conduct that takes a dim view of judges and candidates who lie about their opponents, disparage fellow judges, or deceive voters. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

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