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

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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 Any one of the disclosures about Platner, which include making jokes about masturbation, making antisemitic remarks, disparaging the military and blaming women for rape, would have spelled the end for another candidate. —

Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 2 June 2026 Additionally, the commissioner recommended a stipulation that keeps the couple, whose respective lives are public, restrained from making disparaging comments about one another. —

Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026 The code says harassment can include negative or disparaging comments about a participant’s gender identity, lists no exceptions and says harassment violations can lead to discipline, including suspension or expulsion from OBRA. —

Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026 Specifically, the manner in which Alfonsi’s work and objectivity was disparaged with the very public pulling of her CECOT piece. —

Dominic Patten, Deadline, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage

Verb

The lawsuit was eventually dismissed.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
The ruling came after similar cases in Michigan and Georgia were dismissed by the courts and a special prosecutor dropped a federal case in late 2024 that charged Trump with conspiring to overturn the 2020 election.

— Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026