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

This is how public perception is manipulated to support the oppressor and disparage the oppressed, but the Empire isn’t happy with just widespread support for its misdeeds. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2025

Dan's biggest concern going into the deposition is that the lawyers will disparage Roseanne. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Trump has also disparaged Canada’s military commitments despite a hand-in-glove partnership that stretched from from the beaches of Normandy in World War II to the fight against Al Qaeda in Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 terror attacks. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025

The joyous occasion soon turns sour, however, when the women begin disparaging New Bethlehem. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 May 2025

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