belittle
verb
be·lit·tle
bi-ˈli-tᵊl 
bē-
belittled; belittling
bi-ˈli-tᵊl-iŋ
-ˈlit-liŋ,
bē-
1
: to speak slightingly of : disparage
belittles her efforts
2
: to cause (a person or thing) to seem little or less
a curiosity so vast that it almost belittled the main matter—
Mark Twain
Mark TwainExamples of belittle in a Sentence
The critic belittled the author's work.
Her detractors are in the habit of belittling her accomplishments.
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition, there were no findings in the First Investigation to suggest that Taylor targeted women with ‘bullying’ or ‘belittling’ statements or conduct.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2025
In interviews on Wednesday, Democratic operatives — some of whom worked for the former president — and donors echoed Vale’s sentiments, underscoring that Obama shouldn’t belittle himself and engage with Trump.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 24 July 2025
If Trump’s current hostility to alliances continues and the administration keeps insulting, belittling, and even economically harming its long-standing partners, the United States is going to find the world an increasingly unfriendly place.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
Gladys is struggling to adjust to her new life overseas, with absolutely no help from Lady Sarah, who only opens her mouth to belittle Gladys.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for belittle
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Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2025
In interviews on Wednesday, Democratic operatives — some of whom worked for the former president — and donors echoed Vale’s sentiments, underscoring that Obama shouldn’t belittle himself and engage with Trump.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 24 July 2025
If Trump’s current hostility to alliances continues and the administration keeps insulting, belittling, and even economically harming its long-standing partners, the United States is going to find the world an increasingly unfriendly place.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
Gladys is struggling to adjust to her new life overseas, with absolutely no help from Lady Sarah, who only opens her mouth to belittle Gladys.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for belittle
Cite this Entry
“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belittle. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
belittle
verb
be·lit·tle
bi-ˈlit-ᵊl
belittled; belittling
-ˈlit-ᵊl-iŋ
-ˈlit-liŋ
: to make (a person or a thing) seem little or unimportant
belittle the success of a rival
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