BELITTLE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

belittle

verb

bi-ˈli-tᵊl

Definition of belittle next

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of belittled the action star's acting ability

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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

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 belittle That is done not to belittle their analysis to point out that such forecasts have unrealistic expectations that should not be used to guide one’s investments. —

Tom Aspray, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 Harris also tried to belittle Trump, which could be an attempt to chip away at his appeal among male voters. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 16 Oct. 2024 According to Richard, Diddy belittled and harassed the female contestants during filming. —

Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024 She was banned for life by NBC, belittled by late-night comedians, often in painfully misogynistic ways, and even threatened with violence by Frank Sinatra. —

Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for belittle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle

Verb

Some critics of President Biden may dismiss his recent apology of the federal Indian boarding schools as a strategy to win votes in what was a tight presidential election race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024
Hamlin offered a glimpse into his conversation with Forde, heatedly recounting how online criticisms of the playoff system were dismissed.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024