BELITTLE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'belittle' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of belittle are decry , depreciate , and disparage . While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude. // belittled the achievements of others

Q: In what contexts can 'decry' take the place of 'belittle'?

The words decry and belittle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit. // decried their defeatist attitude

Q: Where would 'depreciate' be a reasonable alternative to 'belittle'?

Although the words depreciate and belittle have much in common, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed. // critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

Q: When could 'disparage' be used to replace 'belittle'?

While the synonyms disparage and belittle are close in meaning, disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison. // disparaged polo as a game for the rich

belittle

verb

bi-ˈli-tᵊl

Definition of belittle next

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of belittled the action star's acting ability

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How does the verb belittle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of belittle are decry, depreciate, and disparage. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

In what contexts can decry take the place of belittle?

The words decry and belittle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit.

decried their defeatist attitude

Where would depreciate be a reasonable alternative to belittle?

Although the words depreciate and belittle have much in common, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

When could disparage be used to replace belittle?

While the synonyms disparage and belittle are close in meaning, disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison.

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

Examples 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 belittle Online communities often advertise themselves as bringing people together, but many are characterized by toxic behavior, from overt harassment, hate speech, trolling, and doxing to more casual (yet often still quite harmful) comments that belittle and exclude. —

Olivier Sibai, marius K. Luedicke, kristine De Valck, Harvard Business Review, 5 Nov. 2024 When challenged publicly, critics are belittled and shunned. —

Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024 To those belittling the Orlando soccer team’s championship, the NWSL is the premier women’s soccer league in the nation and their win is certainly deserving of praise. —

Ticked Off, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Dec. 2024 It’s come to signify the experience of being belittled or demeaned by one's parents, in some cases even physically abused. —

Leslie Katz, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for belittle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle

Verb

Moments after dismissing the Denver Broncos 31-7 from the opening playoff round Sunday, the Bills already had the Baltimore Ravens on their minds.

Tim Graham, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025
More cases are being dismissed — rising from 41% to 61% — because prosecutors cannot meet the technical requirements, burdensome paperwork and deadlines of the new discovery law.

Eric J. Gertler, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2025