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

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 No artist, producer, director, or leader—regardless of legacy or celebrity—should be allowed to weaponize their platform to belittle, threaten, or devalue others without consequence. Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 30 May 2025 According to Richard, Diddy belittled and harassed the female contestants during filming. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 20 May 2025 This kind of medical gaslighting is a widespread issue, with many women feeling dismissed, belittled, or disbelieved by healthcare providers, especially when seeking treatment for chronic pain. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 9 May 2025 But more than a quarter of the providers were belittling and about 20% did not believe the patient. Linda Carroll, NBC news, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
Verb
  • Operation Ajax, a joint CIA-British operation, convinced the Shah of Iran, the country’s monarch, to dismiss Mossadegh and drive him from office by force.
    Jeffrey Fields, The Conversation, 18 June 2025
  • Kiser's attorneys also filed a notice to dismiss some agencies from the lawsuit, and the court sealed a declaration Kiser wrote about this case.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
  • This includes employing a repeatable data migration approach that minimizes the risk of unsuccessful implementations and ensures high-quality data that aligns with business goals.
    Rajnish Nath, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
  • The perception that Iran’s military strength is significantly diminished will raise questions about the stability of its political system.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Aside from the messages that disparaged the defendant, others showed Proctor sharing with his friends details about the victim and the investigation more broadly.
    Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
  • Ye makes disparaging remarks on The Breakfast Club about his ex Amber Rose’s past as a stripper.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • This legislation would promote the St. Louis Cardinals and denigrate the Royals, who won two of three games last week at Busch Stadium. Schroer, who is representing St. Charles County, is either making a joke or doesn’t seem all that interested in tackling the difficult decisions in the state.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2025
  • Educate don't denigrate More than two-thirds of baby boomers want the next generation of inheritors to receive financial education to manage their inheritances responsibly.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Several Make America Great Again (MAGA) figures, such as Laura Loomer, are criticizing Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over his ties to the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting.
    Mandy Taheri Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • Dominican born, and now a U.S. citizen, Almanzar criticized the flurry of ICE arrests across the city.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on belittle

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