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

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of disparaged polo as a sport for the idle rich

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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 Her book is divorced from reality, disparaging and riddled with false claims. — Barbara Ortutay, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Pro-Cleveland newspapers disparaged Halpin’s character and ran reports that Blaine’s wife was pregnant before they were married. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 June 2026 Her book is divorced from reality, disparaging and riddled with false claims. — ABC News, 25 June 2026 Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison took to X to voice frustration with candidates hopping on the Democratic ballot while disparaging the party itself. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage

Verb

Ray Wilkins was appointed manager and Fulham finished sixth — but Al Fayed was not satisfied, dismissing Wilkins and handing the job to Keegan.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Huffy, a brand once dismissed by some but historically durable and even Olympic-raced, has successfully reinvented itself in the e-bike market.

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

Doctors are emphasizing the importance of minimizing your time in the smoke as much as possible.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Franchisors, franchisees, distributors, and food manufacturers increasingly rely upon rigorous supplier audits, product testing, traceability technology, and crisis response protocols to minimize both operational disruption and public health risks.

— Gary Occhiogrosso, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

The rivalry between New York and Florida — and California and Florida, too — has also become heated as the wealthy have publicly criticized blue states and announced their decisions to relocate.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
The bodycam video also sparked reaction online, with several conservative accounts criticizing Hostin for invoking her legal background during the encounter.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of criticize

Verb

These two characters have maybe two minutes of screentime between them, and yet a certain portion of the internet, and Elon Musk, have raged, gnashed teeth and howled to the wind about the way this denigrates a Greek classic.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
In 2018, the court unequivocally repudiated its wartime decision that denigrated Japanese Americans.

— Tom Campbell, Oc Register, 4 July 2026

Definition of denigrate

Verb

Lestat is treated as unworthy of Akasha’s (Sheila Atim) blood and his choice to turn Louis is belittled by the table because Louis was a pimp.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
The women on that team didn’t ask to be the butt of a locker room joke, belittled by the President of the United States, no less.

— Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of belittle

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disowns

disparage

disparaged

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“Disparage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparage. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of disparage

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