as in to dismiss
to express scornfully one's low opinion of
belittled the action star's acting ability
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of belittle
The Ukrainian leader’s efforts to shore up European support while pressing ahead on negotiations with the United States came despite ominous messages from President Trump in recent days belittling Mr. Zelensky and issuing threats if Ukraine does not soon agree to a minerals deal.
—
Constant Méheut, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
My father often belittled me to show himself in a better light.
—R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
During his visit to Europe last week, however, Mr. Vance belittled the idea that a foreign adversary like Russia could sway an election in a strong democratic nation, referring to accusations that resulted in Romania overturning the first round of voting in its election.
—Steven Lee Myers, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
In a way, the elimination of the penny is the perfect sort of move for our new, belittling leader.
—airmail.news, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for belittle
Constant Méheut, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
My father often belittled me to show himself in a better light.
—R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
During his visit to Europe last week, however, Mr. Vance belittled the idea that a foreign adversary like Russia could sway an election in a strong democratic nation, referring to accusations that resulted in Romania overturning the first round of voting in its election.
—Steven Lee Myers, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
In a way, the elimination of the penny is the perfect sort of move for our new, belittling leader.
—airmail.news, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
Verb
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The case was dismissed after the judge overseeing the case ruled prosecutors did not properly turn over evidence to the defense.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2025
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Even when your partner makes an effort to reconnect — through a joke, a kind gesture or an apology — your mind may dismiss it, keeping you stuck in the negative experience.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Such programs help ensure that employees behave ethically and minimize disruptions to business operations—an attractive feature for building and maintaining intercompany relationships.—
Robert Anello,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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Regular use helps to minimize the appearance of pores, reduce dryness, and create a smoother, more polished look.3 8.—
Sohaib Imtiaz,
Verywell Health,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Mar. 2025
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Projections of soaring power demand in the U.S. have led utility executives to turn to whatever power source is available—including wind and solar—even as the Trump Administration tries to diminish renewables.—
Justin Worland/Houston,
TIME,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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For Goldberg’s troubles, Trump officials like Hegseth responded by vilifying him and disparaging him as a journalist.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2025
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Two years later, President Barack Obama relieved Gen. Stanley McChrystal of his command of U.S. forces in Afghanistan after he was quoted making disparaging comments about his civilian leaders, including then-Vice President Biden.—
Anna Mulrine Grobe,
The Christian Science Monitor,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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His order does not only denigrate U.S. firms that have managed to conduct their business for decades without corruption.—
Richard Nephew,
Foreign Affairs,
24 Feb. 2025
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Most of your editorials, John Brummett, Rex Nelson, and John Deering, are blatant Trump haters, and their smug, condescending echo-chamber mindsets are constantly denigrating, mocking, and disrespecting at least 64 percent of your potential readers.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In a 1907 essay, the writer Ito Sakon criticized the idea of escaping the hot urban summer, instead presenting the heat as an opportunity for self-improvement.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Mar. 2025
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Many people — including celebrity moms like Allison Kuch and fellow SYTYCD alum Witney Carson — have taken to the brand's Instagram comments section to criticize Happiest Baby.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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