disparage

Definition of disparagenext

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 During meetings where promotions were decided, white officers would sometimes make disparaging comments to Black airmen, Curry recalled. Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026 Running in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, the younger Shaheen has sought to define herself as her own politician, even disparaging a deal negotiated by her mother to reopen the government during last fall's federal shutdown. Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for disparage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage
Verb
  • The firms asked the judge to dismiss the case Wednesday, arguing Uber had failed to prove fraud.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Delta denied this in its legal response, seeking to dismiss the case.
    Emma Hurt, AJC.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • While the Texatron is designed as an aneutronic fusion system intended to minimize neutron production, the company says monitoring neutron emissions will help verify radiation characteristics and overall system performance.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026
  • This significantly minimizes cybersecurity risks by decreasing the number of outside players that may have access to the data through cloud or hardware infrastructure.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The weight that was added to the structure over its lifetime diminished the building’s margins against failure, the report said.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
  • Louden points out that sometimes an English word strengthens and diversifies the Pennsylvania Dutch lexicon rather than diminishes it.
    Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Then-Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt criticized the prosecution and sought to intervene, arguing the case raised broader questions about Missourians' rights to defend themselves and their property.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026
  • Moore himself has repeatedly criticized the White House on education policy.
    Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • By denigrating the foundation of our democracy, Trump is willfully eroding it.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2026
  • This isn't about denigrating the other players in the league.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The Babylon Bee posted a satirical video suggesting that if a female president was mercurial — launching foreign wars, trade wars and petty feuds — and focusing on gewgaws and shoes, she’d be endlessly belittled.
    Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
  • Trump, on the other hand, belittles and degrades people every day.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disparage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparage. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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