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

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 But slang can also be used to demean, bully, or belittle others, so parents should be aware of trendy lingo their kids are using in their day-to-day life. —

Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 Jan. 2025 The letter writer felt used and belittled by the stepdaughter, so there’s work to do to keep the peace. —

R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025 New Hampshire’s lower chamber has four hundred people, nearly double the second-largest state legislature in the country, so there were plenty of representatives willing to take potshots at the hawk and belittle the children who wanted to honor it. —

Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2024 His distinctive monotone, used to harangue and belittle those who challenge him, lifted into song. —

Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for belittle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle

Verb

Last month, federal prosecutors in Texas dismissed charges against a doctor accused of unlawfully sharing health records from a children's hospital there.

— Carrie Johnson, NPR, 18 Feb. 2025
In October, San Diego Superior Court Judge Aaron Katz dismissed the charge against Lor, ruling that the law requires the threat be specific toward the person allegedly threatened.

— City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025