Synonym Chooser

How does the verb belittle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of belittle are decry, depreciate, and disparage. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

In what contexts can decry take the place of belittle?

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

decried their defeatist attitude

Where would depreciate be a reasonable alternative to belittle?

Although the words depreciate and belittle have much in common, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

When could disparage be used to replace belittle?

While the synonyms disparage and belittle are close in meaning, 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 belittle Instead, Postecoglou was left having to try to explain his gesture, insisting that it was not meant to belittle the travelling fans. Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 There were cries of a rotten system and in its recent lawsuit against the tennis authorities, the PTPA has belittled the current system as unfit for purpose. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Beyond the economic threats, Trump has repeatedly antagonized and belittled historic partners, notably the one with which the U.S. shares a 5,500-mile (8,900-kilometer) border. Time, 28 Mar. 2025 More often, alleged female murderers are reviled or belittled. Jean Casarez, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
Verb
  • At the end of the trial, the judge dismissed the anti-stalking petitions, holding that Herzfeld’s activities were all constitutionally protected under the First Amendment and that there had been no act of stalking.
    Steven Lieberman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The plans to dismiss the case were first reported by Bloomberg.
    Sarah N. Lynch and Ryan Patrick Jones, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In relationships, this dynamic plays out as toxic positivity — the tendency to dismiss or minimize distress in favor of maintaining an upbeat tone.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The previous six champions were all diminished the following season by either injuries or significant roster changes.
    Jay King, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Lacy turned himself in to police on Jan. 12, but his NFL Draft prospects were significantly diminished by the wreck.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His posture toward Ukraine and disparaging remarks from top members of his administration have alarmed America’s European allies.
    Vanessa Gera and Kerstin Sopke, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
  • There are some accounts that just tweet things to disparage Drake.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The commission also wrote that Shore improperly denigrated the state Legislature while criticizing the Racial Justice Act.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Congress is standing by, unwilling to buck the president and denigrating our system of checks and balances.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The end of the parole program is part of Trump’s crackdown on legal immigration paths that allow people to temporarily come to the U.S. Republicans also criticized the parole program as an overreach and abuse of executive presidential power.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Progressives are criticizing tariffs for boosting prices and triggering international chaos.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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