belittle

verb

bi-ˈli-tᵊl How to pronounce belittle (audio)
Definition of belittlenext
as in to dismiss
to express scornfully one's low opinion of belittled the action star's acting ability

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Accounts like Bradford’s tended to minimize or belittle the Native Americans who already lived in the New World. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 And yet, these same commentators who proudly belittle Clark and Cunningham continue to claim that Black lesbian women are the ones the sports media relentlessly targets. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 People who post puerile, profane or belittling comments are protesters on a virtual street. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026 Though Paulina typically spends her days belittling her friends and humiliating Nana, presently, her focus is on something grander. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for belittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittle
  1. dismiss
  2. minimize
  3. diminish
  4. disparage
  5. denigrate
  6. criticize
Verb
  • Ben-Gvir dismisses concerns that such policies would cement Israel’s status as a pariah state.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Lower courts had dismissed the case because Asian American students were not underrepresented at the magnet schools compared with the pool of students that applied.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • The frack happening beneath us was about half as deep as Mount Everest is high, in a section of oil-rich rock that used to be considered out of reach; other innovations allow for simultaneous fracks, minimizing downtime.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Eco effort As a camp that focuses on conservation, minimizing environmental impact is the cornerstone of the Wilderness Desert Rhino ethos.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • Members of Congress could be expected to resist presidential encroachments because those encroachments diminished their own power.
    — Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
  • In theory, such an arrangement diminishes the cells’ ability to transport oxygen from the lungs.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • The actress said Toback later made disparaging remarks about her appearance, including comments about her hips.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Clayburn further testified that Gonzalez and her family routinely disparaged Avery in front of his daughter.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of disparage
Verb
  • Eight months later during an appearance on a Cincinnati radio station, Huggins used a homophobic slur to refer to Xavier fans while also denigrating Catholics.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This is not to denigrate what pathbreaking American technology companies can accomplish on their own—their innovation is the envy of the world, and rightly so.
    — DAVID S. COHEN, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of denigrate
Verb
  • Vance has neither criticized his friend nor publicly nudged Carlson to temper what’s been harsh criticism of Israel — and Trump’s cultivation of the Netanyahu government.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • At an October debate, Bass pointed out that Raman, as chair of the city council’s housing and homelessness committee, had repeatedly approved spending on Inside Safe, the very program Raman now criticizes as expensive and insufficiently accountable.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of criticize

Browse Nearby Words

believing
belittle
belittled
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Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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