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 That career that is underestimated and belittled by those who preferred to have a laugh for a few moments, preferred to throw the stone. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025 So, instead of recognition, many high-achieving women describe being met with jealousy, belittling or social isolation. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Her snide answers to their belittling questions are smart and iconoclastic, setting the stage for the other characters in the movie who also think outside the box. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025 But relatability can also be a reductive, even belittling lens through which to view any artist’s work. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
Verb
  • And Tucker Carlson has gained attention with his own programming distributed via social and digital media, Their audiences can be smaller and more disparate than the ones that come to mainstream news outlets, but in an era of cord-cutting, their niche power is not to be dismissed.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
  • In February, following a SAG Award win for her breakout role in Shōgun, Anna Sawai dismissed rumors that she had been cast as Yoko Ono for the film series.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • SpaceX took steps to minimize the chances that the problem would recur on Flight 8.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The Brooke High Rise Straight, a narrow straight leg, is finished with laser technology to minimize water usage.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Bean and squash yields (as measured by weight) were reduced when intercropped with maize, while maize yields were only slightly diminished when intercropped.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Despite a disparaging 1-3 start to the year for Florida, SEC Network’s College GameDay equivalent, SEC Nation, set up camp in GainesvilleSaturday.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Many actors have disparaged the move on social media, in comments on Deadline’s story, as well as through their own social media channels and comments to the press.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That’s not to denigrate Punch, which is solidly built and well-meaning without sanctimony.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
  • They were recognized leaders of an artistic movement denigrated by Nazi leadership as Marxist-Jewish decadence.
    Christopher C. Gorham September 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Since leaving the British royal family in 2020 and stepping down from their roles as senior members of The Firm, Harry and Meghan have faced backlash for their media ventures and transition into Hollywood, with many criticizing the couple’s lack of views on their Netflix content.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Beijing has long criticized Washington for exerting control beyond its borders through export rules that bar third-country companies from supplying China with chips made using American technology.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on belittle

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