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

Her book is divorced from reality, disparaging and riddled with false claims. — ABC News, 25 June 2026

All the charges are related to his 2025 New York City Council race, but Rinaldi has continued to use AI to support his campaign for the New York State Assembly this year and disparage his opponents. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 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

Few stars get straight to the point like actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who has spoken on multiple occasions about the disparaging comments that inspired her decision to get plastic surgery. — Louis Peitzman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!