Synonyms of belittle

belittle

verb

bi-ˈli-tᵊl 

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of

belittled the action star's acting ability

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dismiss
• minimize
• diminish
• disparage
• denigrate
• criticize
• derogate
• diss
• depreciate
• deprecate
• decry
• bad-mouth
• denounce
• run down
• discount
• condemn
• talk down
• dislike
• discredit
• play down
• dump on
• cry down
• scold
• trash-talk
• write off
• dis
• poor-mouth
• put down
• trash
• vilipend
• kiss off
• vilify
• defame
• malign
• abuse
• slander
• disapprove (of)
• disgrace
• censure
• discommend
• asperse
• slur
• traduce
• reprehend
• rip
• reprobate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exalt
• applaud
• glorify
• extol
• praise
• laud
• magnify
• recommend
• endorse
• approve
• favor
• acclaim
• indorse
• sanction
• commend
• countenance
• extoll
• compliment
• eulogize

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of belittle

His views have won him some high-profile enemies, and conservative Cardinal Gerhard Muller memorably turned on him in 2022, belittling his academic profile and accusing him of going against Catholic doctrine. —Philip Pullella, Crispian Balmer, Alvise Armellini, Joshua McElwee and Chris Scicluna, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025

Think Regina George in Mean Girls, Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl, or Cher Horowitz in Clueless—characters who derive power from their ability to belittle and exclude. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025

At one point, the hearing shifted to concerns about hostile, belittling comments that Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made about America’s European allies. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025

Taylor Swift’s name was invoked before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday as Congress members grilled national security officials about the recent use of a commercially available messaging app to discuss sensitive war plans, while belittling European allies. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025