VILIPENDING Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

vilipending

verb

present participle of vilipend

as in dismissing

to express scornfully one's low opinion of one of those elitists who regularly vilipends popular culture

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for vilipending

Verb

Department of Defense Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael addressed Luckey's involvement with the Pentagon in comments to CNBC on Tuesday, dismissing any concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

— Samantha Subin, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Vance’s comments last week came in response to Cruz openly discussing a potential 2028 run and dismissing a question about whether the vice president had already locked down the party’s nomination with two years to go.

— Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of dismissing

Verb

Today, Citroën’s advanced CAD techniques have managed to improve that legacy even more, optimizing structural geometry to maximize interior volume and minimizing weight.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026
Schacter warns that minimizing those experiences is a common mistake.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of minimizing

Verb

But as stock prices climb and bond yields increase, that relative advantage is diminishing, leaving less room for equities to absorb higher rates.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
In addition to second base, center field and the closer’s role, third base is an issue complicated by Ryan McMahon’s $16 million salary, diminishing glove and paltry offense.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminishing

Verb

Blair had tears running down her face, while her team worked to explain what happened.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
The Saudis may also be able to procure more air defense systems from Europe and the US, after running down shipments delivered at the start of the conflict with Iran.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of running down

Verb

Going forward, Brock, who’s based in Los Angeles and plans to release three collections a year, isn’t writing off the idea of a runway show—maybe in the City of Light.

— Laura Neilson, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2026
Thai Union ended up losing its entire Red Lobster stake, writing off its $530 million investment in the company and announcing its intent to divest the chain in January 2024.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of writing off

Verb

Police chief Fuller is correct — talking down a place can be self-fulfilling.

— Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Leadership training disputes The lawsuit alleges Petersen began subjecting Kennon to discriminatory treatment around January 2024, including talking down to her, ignoring her and questioning her judgment.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of talking down

Verb

Mudryk, a right-footed forward best known for playing down the left, is among Leeds’ preferred options and talks are ongoing with Chelsea, despite an initial knock-back.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
In response to the concerns, companies including Amazon and Microsoft have been playing down the issue, saying the data center water use can be done responsibly, or sourced from wastewater.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of playing down

Verb

Many have taken to the streets in towns and neighborhoods to protest the worsening situation, with roadblocks, tire-burning and residents holding up signs criticizing the government for not providing adequate solutions.

— Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
What readers are saying The comments express strong disapproval of Pete Hegseth's plan to livestream an execution, criticizing it as inhumane and a historical low for the country.

— Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of criticizing

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.

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vilipended

vilipending

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“Vilipending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vilipending. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of vilipending

verb

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