DISPARAGE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'disparage' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disparage are belittle , decry , and depreciate . While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison. // disparaged polo as a game for the rich

Q: When might 'belittle' be a better fit than 'disparage'?

The meanings of belittle and disparage largely overlap; however, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude. // belittled the achievements of others

Q: When is 'decry' a more appropriate choice than 'disparage'?

The synonyms decry and disparage are sometimes interchangeable, but decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit. // decried their defeatist attitude

Q: When is it sensible to use 'depreciate' instead of 'disparage'?

While the synonyms depreciate and disparage are close in meaning, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed. // critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

disparage

verb

di-ˈsper-ij

Definition of disparage next

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of disparaged polo as a sport for the idle rich

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb disparage contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disparage are belittle, decry, and depreciate. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison.

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

When might belittle be a better fit than disparage?

The meanings of belittle and disparage largely overlap; however, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

When is decry a more appropriate choice than disparage?

The synonyms decry and disparage are sometimes interchangeable, but decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit.

decried their defeatist attitude

When is it sensible to use depreciate instead of disparage?

While the synonyms depreciate and disparage are close in meaning, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

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 disparage The overlap of the holiday celebrating the man who died fighting for civil rights for Black people and the swearing in of a president who has made disparaging remarks about Blacks and immigrants happens at a crucial time in our nation’s history. —

Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2025 As a drama with an elemental emotional kick—a child alone, facing dangers while trying to find his way home—it has been wrongly disparaged as sentimental, conventional, or even compromised. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2025 Pay attention to the attempts to disparage the new state’s attorney. —

Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025 Heath was great, Hugh’s great, nothing disparaging about anybody who took advantage of it. —

Caroline Tompkins, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for disparage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage

Verb

But in October, 2023, Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar, whose office prosecutes crimes across the county, decided to drop charges after a motion to dismiss was filed by the defense.

— Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Despite the positive identifications, prosecutors dismissed the murder case against Walton six months after the preliminary hearing.

— Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025