Synonym Chooser

How does the verb depreciate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of depreciate are belittle, decry, and disparage. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

When is belittle a more appropriate choice than depreciate?

While in some cases nearly identical to depreciate, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

In what contexts can decry take the place of depreciate?

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

decried their defeatist attitude

When might disparage be a better fit than depreciate?

Although the words disparage and depreciate have much in common, 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 depreciate Allowing the currency to depreciate somewhat after a strong run makes sense and demonstrates the central bank’s easing stance. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 Higher utilization means more customers are using the service, which eventually materializes into more profits to help cover costs on the depreciating vehicle asset. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2024 Even as Trump continues to hold on to his shares, however, the stock has depreciated considerably in recent weeks, including after his debate performance against Vice President Kamala Harris. Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 23 Sep. 2024 The Mexican peso depreciated further yesterday after the Senate passed a justice reform bill that experts say will heavily curtail checks and balances. Russell Contreras, Axios, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for depreciate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depreciate
Verb
  • Roofing contractors said good roofs with years of life left are being replaced ahead of schedule to allow insurers to reduce their risk going forward.
    Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Opened in 1956, Sunnyvale High School, the city’s second public high school, worked to achieve collaboration between students and educators, aiming to reduce violence and enrich the curriculum during the interracial tension that marked the 1960s and ’70s.
    Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
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
Verb
  • This not only devalues our efforts but also perpetuates a societal norm where women's professional input is undervalued and taken for granted.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
  • That vision never materialized, in part because the media world’s attention shifted from traditional pay TV to streaming, which devalued cable networks.
    Alex Sherman, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • As new ways become familiar, employees recognize their advantages, and resistance gradually diminishes.
    Peter Follows, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Black Lives Matter is severely diminished as an institution.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In contrast, the single-bore method minimizes street-level disruption.
    Dan Phan, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • This method, which is based on the idea of moving to where the hottest deer sign and action can be found, is used by many hunters who decide to minimize their hunting gear footprint and overall carry weight.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Thao, the first Hmong American mayor to lead a major American city, was criticized shortly after taking office for letting go of a police chief and taking months to replace him.
    Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • But the group has largely been shy about criticizing Trump openly.
    Peter Green, Quartz, 9 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near depreciate

Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

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