Definition of depreciatenext

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

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 depreciate Across the global south currencies are depreciating, inflation has spiked, and unemployment is rising. Fatma Tanis, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026 Unlike money, time only depreciates. Steve Booren, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 Hyperscalers such as Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta are depreciating their GPUs and other hardware over roughly five or six years on their income statements. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026 Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel ahead of a US shipping blockade on Iranian ports after weekend peace talks between the US and Iran collapsed, threatening to pile pressure on several African currencies that have depreciated as a result of the crisis. semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for depreciate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depreciate
Verb
  • Eco effort The hotel employs single-stream recycling and green housekeeping practices, and also has a green roof ecosystem to reduce the building’s heat load.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
  • New research suggests these medications, best known for managing diabetes and driving weight loss, may also reduce the severity of one of the most common and underdiagnosed sleep disorders in the country.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • The court recommended that the petition be dismissed, and that the organizations be given one month to submit the employee lists.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • Even the foundations of today’s artificial intelligence boom were laid by the NSF in the 1980s and 1990s, when neural networks were a backwater dismissed by mainstream computer science.
    Gautam Mukunda, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • That’s Bevacqua’s counterargument to the idea that CFP expansion would devalue the regular season.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Classrooms are over-crowded, and teachers are overwhelmed and too often devalued.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Page cited a combination of federal funding cuts, skyrocketing health care costs, diminishing enrollment and more behind the budget constraints, while local teachers cited local investment issues as well.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 19 May 2026
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • But despite assurances that the impact on businesses has been minimized, some groups still worried that the AI bill — despite its sections on workforce development and increasing AI knowledge — will ultimately create new burdens for businesses that could hamper innovation efforts.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • While Peters’ doctor had minimized the possibility of measles, the principal was concerned.
    Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Renter Mandy Feng, who prefers to use a pseudonym for fear of being seen criticizing the authorities, said the stimulus the government is offering has failed to offset people’s anxiety over an uncertain economic outlook.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
  • At the time of the women’s march, Cannes organizers were being criticized for failing to do more to publicly acknowledge the #MeToo and Time’s Up initiatives.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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