Synonyms of disparage

disparage

verb

di-ˈsper-ij 

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of

disparaged polo as a sport for the idle rich

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dismiss
• minimize
• diminish
• criticize
• denigrate
• belittle
• derogate
• decry
• deprecate
• diss
• bad-mouth
• depreciate
• denounce
• condemn
• discount
• dislike
• talk down
• discredit
• run down
• dump on
• play down
• write off
• trash-talk
• cry down
• scold
• poor-mouth
• trash
• dis
• put down
• vilipend
• kiss off
• vilify
• defame
• disapprove (of)
• abuse
• malign
• slander
• disgrace
• discommend
• censure
• traduce
• slur
• reprehend
• rip
• asperse
• reprobate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• applaud
• exalt
• extol
• praise
• glorify
• laud
• endorse
• recommend
• approve
• magnify
• favor
• indorse
• acclaim
• sanction
• extoll
• commend
• countenance
• compliment
• eulogize

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of disparage

As Deadline previously reported, Slavin drew backlash within crew communities recently for some controversial comments on social media that include disparaging language about undocumented immigrants and conspiracy theories about the coronavirus pandemic. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025

Since becoming the secretary of health and human services, Kennedy has worked relentlessly to disparage vaccines, spread misinformation about them, and dismantle access and federal recommendations for them. —Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 3 Sep. 2025

The estranged pair is also barred from making disparaging remarks about the other parent to the children, either verbally or in writing. —Danielle Bacher, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025

The restraining order reportedly banned him from drinking before visiting their kids and from making disparaging remarks about her family. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025

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