DISPARAGE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'disparage' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disparage are belittle , decry , and depreciate . While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison. // disparaged polo as a game for the rich

Q: When might 'belittle' be a better fit than 'disparage'?

The meanings of belittle and disparage largely overlap; however, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude. // belittled the achievements of others

Q: When is 'decry' a more appropriate choice than 'disparage'?

The synonyms decry and disparage are sometimes interchangeable, but decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit. // decried their defeatist attitude

Q: When is it sensible to use 'depreciate' instead of 'disparage'?

While the synonyms depreciate and disparage are close in meaning, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed. // critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

disparage

verb

di-ˈsper-ij

Definition of disparage next

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of disparaged polo as a sport for the idle rich

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How does the verb disparage contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disparage are belittle, decry, and depreciate. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison.

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

When might belittle be a better fit than disparage?

The meanings of belittle and disparage largely overlap; however, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

When is decry a more appropriate choice than disparage?

The synonyms decry and disparage are sometimes interchangeable, but decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit.

decried their defeatist attitude

When is it sensible to use depreciate instead of disparage?

While the synonyms depreciate and disparage are close in meaning, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

Examples of disparage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But most gossip isn’t all that commonly disparaging. —

Lindsey Leake, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2024 Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong loses it as bandmates surprise him on stage dressed as Deadpool and Wolverine But the residents and radio stations of Vegas didn't take kindly to Armstrong's disparaging remarks about their city. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 1 Oct. 2024 Jeff Hauser of the Revolving Door Project frequently disparaged potential nominees as corporate hacks and sellouts. —

Andrew Prokop, Vox, 15 Oct. 2024 But the world has observed Mr. Netanyahu repeatedly disregarding and disparaging U.S. counsel over the past year, some experts say. —

Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disparage

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