Synonym Chooser

How does the verb depreciate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of depreciate are belittle, decry, and disparage. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

When is belittle a more appropriate choice than depreciate?

While in some cases nearly identical to depreciate, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

In what contexts can decry take the place of depreciate?

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

decried their defeatist attitude

When might disparage be a better fit than depreciate?

Although the words disparage and depreciate have much in common, 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 depreciate The budget comes against the backdrop of a growth slowdown in the world’s fifth-largest economy, weak domestic demand, a depreciating rupee and rising global uncertainties. Lim Hui Jie,anniek Bao, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025 The last model of the 747, the 747-8, reportedly bore a price tag of $418 million, but has significantly depreciated since. Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 If the Playoff indeed expands again in the coming years, rivalry games will continue depreciating faster than a used Lincoln. Jason Lloyd, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 In these markets, homes are already sitting on the market longer, and home values are expected to depreciate, according to Divounguy. Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for depreciate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depreciate
Verb
  • Trump, who took office on January 20, campaigned heavily on the economy, vowing to reduce inflation and impose tariffs on some of the country's closest trading partners like Mexico and Canada, citing concerns over drugs, immigration, and trade deficits.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Introduced late in the first decade of the 2000s, the program was revived in 2022 as part of a series of insurance reforms that aimed to reduce litigation — and insurance company failures.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • However, Cave pushed back against the idea of fully dismissing an artist’s work due to their personal failings.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Chutkan granted a request from Smith to dismiss the case after Mr. Trump won the presidential election in November because of a Justice Department policy that forbids the prosecution of a sitting president.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Coins like this, which can significantly devalue in a matter of hours, can be distressing introductions to the world of investing.
    Maximilian Brichta, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025
  • After all, as Trump himself has remarked, the Russian economy is under severe strain, with double-digit inflation, a currency which is devaluing, and record deficits.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Although his output had diminished, from an availability and form perspective, Villa valued him higher than Douglas Luiz or Diaby and with greater scope for improvement.
    Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
  • This has less to do with a diminishing talent pool than a changing industry where the lines between Corman’s world and Hollywood at large became more sharply drawn.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Our limited newsletter series guides you on how to minimize your personal role in the climate crisis — and reduce your eco-anxiety.
    Martha Shade, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Why did so many economists and policymakers minimize the potential devastation that free trade with China would wreak on many Americans?
    Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The agreement is already being heavily criticized by New York City Council leaders, after prosecutors resigned in protest against a directive from Trump's Department of Justice to dismiss corruption charges against Adams so the mayor could assist with the Republican president's immigration agenda.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Mahmoud said the officers took books by Noam Chomsky, a Jewish author who has criticized Israel in the past, along with any book that said the word Palestine on it — including a book about mountain climbing in the region.
    Leila Fadel, NPR, 14 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near depreciate

Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

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