disparage

Synonym Chooser

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 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 disparage Prosecutors say Snyder withheld from his lawyers the disparaging media campaign. Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 22 Nov. 2024 The salon was born out of his desire for a space where he and other clients weren't faced with uncomfortable or disparaging comments. Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2024 Even conservative commentators on Fox News, who have been confident of a Trump win and disparaged Harris’ abilities as a candidate, recognized the tightness of the contest. Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024 Musk’s disparaging comments about NASA and the success of his Falcon 9 rocket in fulfilling NASA contracts have space watchers wondering if Musk’s aim is to effectively replace NASA’s operational arms with his own company. Peter Green, Quartz, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disparage 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage
Verb
  • The case was previously scheduled to go to trial in August 2025, but is now expected to be dismissed.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
  • In a June ruling, a federal judge refused to dismiss the case.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Through the park search, the NYPD has taken steps to minimize disruption to visitors, leading to an odd juxtaposition of joggers, tourists and an active crime scene.
    Cedar Attanasio and Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
  • By emphasizing the organization’s commitment to mutual respect and shared goals, HR leaders can minimize disruptions while maximizing team effectiveness. 4.
    Melanie Hughes, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Climate change exacerbates the threats with rising temperatures disrupting migration patterns and diminishing the availability of milkweed, the monarch caterpillar's essential food source.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Helping to model that behavior and normalizing outreach for support is a great way to diminish the stigma.
    Subha Barry, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Mangione was found with a three-page handwritten manifesto criticizing the U.S. healthcare system.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Many people made public statements in support of Thompson, his family, and the capture of his killer, but others on social media celebrated the demise of a powerful figure in an industry often criticized for its denials of healthcare coverage.
    Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But considering Trump spent all year denigrating the nation's election security, the swing in confidence is notable.
    Miles Parks, NPR, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Trump, on the other hand, has repeatedly denigrated the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • But in a riff that threatens to cast the viewer out of Alexey’s realm, the sportswriter belittles legitimate moral grappling about sports, nationalism and war.
    Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Frank made his teammates feel inferior, blamed others for his mistakes, and was a terrible gossip (usually belittling members of his team to others in the bigger company).
    Adrian Gostick, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near disparage

Cite this Entry

“Disparage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparage. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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