disparage

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

Examples 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 In the recording, officers can also be heard disparaging another woman who had come to report abuse by Olea just a day before. Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025 On Wednesday, a New York judge threatened to toss Trump out of the courtroom after the belligerent ex-President could be heard making disparaging comments about Carroll within earshot of the jury. John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Dec. 2024 On his social media platform, Trump disparaged Roy for his decision. Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 20 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, Trump and others also argued that the public comments Willis made after her relationship with Wade was revealed improperly disparaged the case's defendants and their lawyers, turning any potential jurors against them. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disparage 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage
Verb
  • She was dismissed in June 2024 after a run of seven games without a win.
    Asif Burhan, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • To have the charge dismissed, a person must first plead guilty or no contest, agree to a treatment plan and then successfully complete that program.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Through its Predictive Models that anticipate market trends, UME Tech empowers businesses to adopt effective strategies but minimize marketing expenses.
    Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Patient recruitment, a common bottleneck, is significantly improved with AI, which analyzes eligibility criteria and patient demographics to quickly identify and assemble suitable participants, minimizing dropouts and delays.
    Ariel Katz, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Austria will likely not face fines in the manner of Hungary, but security cooperation will diminish.
    Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Maryland faltered for the first time, a loss that dims but shouldn’t diminish its impressive start as its ceiling comes clearer into focus.
    Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And just this week, Pritzker openly criticized Welch after the governor said the speaker did nothing to stop more than one of his members from berating and verbally abusing staff experts from the governor’s administration called in to explain the hemp issues to the Democratic Caucus.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
  • However, many criticized Jones for fighting the aging Miocic and not pivoting to fight Aspinall, a younger and seemingly more dangerous fighter who holds the interim title.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Simitis’ critics on the right and left did their best to denigrate his legacy, highlighting a dubious debt swap concluded after the country had joined the Eurozone as an attempt to massage the debt numbers.
    Demetris Nellas, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025
  • My spouse never misses an opportunity to denigrate my work.
    Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • His distinctive monotone, used to harangue and belittle those who challenge him, lifted into song.
    Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Reagan was mocked, belittled, and condescended to more than any other major politician of his era—and so, today, is Trump. Consider also the strength of their political positions.
    Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near disparage

Cite this Entry

“Disparage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparage. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disparage

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