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 next

as in to dismiss

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Sportsmanship and maturity seem less important than disparaging Canadians. —

Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 Students and staff also called for his resignation in 2005 following his disparaging comments about women in science. —

Yana Van Der Meulen Rodgers, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026 The union agreed to abide by the ruling of the arbitrator, who sided with the owners on the disparaging nature of the public report card releases. —

Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026 Cameron noted that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has previously disparaged theatrical filmgoing. —

Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage

Verb

In its Thursday decision dismissing the case, the military's top legal officers said the charges against the soldiers were being dropped because the video did not show abuse violent enough to merit a criminal conviction and had been improperly leaked to the media.

— JULIA FRANKEL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
Room for Disagreement Azizi has dismissed concerns that his close relationships with regional leaders could pave the way for government interference.

— Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 13 Mar. 2026