Synonym Chooser

How does the verb belittle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of belittle are decry, depreciate, and disparage. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

In what contexts can decry take the place of belittle?

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

decried their defeatist attitude

Where would depreciate be a reasonable alternative to belittle?

Although the words depreciate and belittle have much in common, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

When could disparage be used to replace belittle?

While the synonyms disparage and belittle are close in meaning, disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison.

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

Example 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 belittle No doubt many of them are relying on prayer for comfort and understanding and don’t need their city’s mayor belittling how the faithful talk to God — even if his words amounted to a talking point frequently used by the supporters of gun controls. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025 Prior to her tragic death, Toussaint had reclaimed her power, announcing her intent to divorce her belittling husband and address her people with honesty. Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Giants rookie Abdul Carter belittled the Jets on Sunday while mocking the first lowlight of his NFL career. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2025 Borgman chronicles how the show focused on entertainment over health and how contestants were belittled and encouraged to follow unhealthy weight loss methods, including consuming caffeine pills. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
Verb
  • This adds to anticipation over whether the judge will decide that the case can proceed in Delaware and if dismissed, will the Macrons appeal or refile elsewhere.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • In court filings, Burnell has argued the council lacks the legal basis to sue and asked for the claims to be dismissed.
    Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Shea butter and hyaluronic acid join coconut and Kalahari melon oils to add a surge of strand-softening hydration, minimizing shrinkage in the process.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Traders establish firm processes on when to buy and when to sell—supported with limit orders—to minimize emotional decision-making.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But with Burrow now looking likely to miss the majority of the regular season, those chances look severely diminished.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
  • One potential problem with this set-up is that the SCORE Act diminishes the role of state law in subject areas traditionally governed by states.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Though the phrase has been co-opted by politicians like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a pro-regime former president, to ridicule and disparage protesters, it has since been reclaimed.
    Fatemeh Jamalpour, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The death of Kirk – who often disparaged racial and religious minorities and the LGBTQ+ community – hasn’t been mourned by everyone.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Jeremiah has been so completely denigrated that the actor who plays him, Gavin Casalegno, has faced death threats, and the show’s official social media has posted public statements asking for fans to stop bullying him.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The point here is not to denigrate the work of content creators.
    Ben Ritz, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lulgjuraj, who is attempting to draw a grassroots versus establishment contrast in the race, criticized Bouchard for advocating on behalf of his son.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The couple have also criticized Netanyahu for not doing enough to free the hostages.
    Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 21 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on belittle

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