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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 In 2018, on Martin Luther King Day, Robinson belittled those who admire King’s legacy and called him an inferior preacher. —

Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 20 Sep. 2024 Some of the enduring images of the 2016 debates captured Trump looming over Clinton, blithely and menacingly, belittling her not only with his words but with his movements. —

Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2024 That's not to belittle the effort the developers have put into VR support. —

Eric Ravenscraft, WIRED, 18 Oct. 2024 In 2016, one of her former classmates, Lauren Bohn, shared her memories of the Facebook group, recalling how the members would belittle Gaga’s ambitions and even trample on flyers for her shows. —

Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for belittle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle

Verb

The case was previously scheduled to go to trial in August 2025, but is now expected to be dismissed.

Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
The manslaughter charged, which carried a maximum 15-year sentence, was dismissed.

Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024