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 of depreciate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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 In the last six years, economic productivity has fallen to record lows, domestic revenues and foreign reserves have shrunk, the currency has depreciated, unemployment has soared, and political corruption has increased. Husain Haqqani, Foreign Affairs, 2 Aug. 2022 When historically high inflation and a depreciating dollar took hold at the end of the decade, investors had nowhere else to go. Greg McKenna, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for depreciate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'depreciate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near depreciate

Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

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