belittling 1 of 2

adjective

bi-ˈli-tᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce belittling (audio)
Definition of belittlingnext
as in slighting
intended to make a person or thing seem of little importance or value there's no need for belittling comments about your brother's trumpet playing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

belittling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of belittle
as in dismissing
to express scornfully one's low opinion of belittled the action star's acting ability

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 belittling
Adjective
Yet, since sometime before July 23, 2022, an anonymous user has been steadily updating IMDb’s trivia section on Corsage with hostile and belittling comments presented under the guise of background information. — Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 14 Jan. 2023 The boundaries revolve around disrespectful or belittling speech. — Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 28 Sep. 2020
Verb
In 2015, she was suspended for a week after a video surfaced of her yelling at and belittling a towing company employee. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 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 Trump, who seems to enjoy belittling reporters more than most other aspects of his job, lives for television coverage. — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026 Abby is introduced as Lizzie’s cruel stepmother, whose constant critiques and belittling remarks push her to do the unthinkable. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2026 Even the teammate who bestowed a belittling nickname upon him can’t wrap his head around Messick’s first year in the majors. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 His work has often been criticized for belittling women and invading the privacy of others. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026 The list of analysts who have spent years belittling Allen is extensive. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittling
  1. insulting
  2. dismissing
  3. demeaning
  4. minimizing
  5. disparaging
  6. diminishing
  7. degrading
  8. criticizing
Adjective
  • But to propose trading him for anything short of a fourth-round pick is insulting.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Afterward, Lisa brags about her pickpocketing skills and says theft is easier and less insulting to the mark.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of insulting
Verb
  • In September, Judge Jonathan Medema ordered a stay of the civil case so the two sides could work to resolve the dispute without dismissing the case.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The court granted that request, entering judgment for the United States on Count III of the government’s complaint and dismissing the remaining counts as moot.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of dismissing
Adjective
  • The first big studio feature with an all-Asian cast was praised for depicting Chinese characters and Chinese food in a non-demeaning way.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • No child should experience therapy that is coercive, demeaning or traumatic.
    — Robin Koncilja, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of demeaning
Verb
  • Compensation and advancement below the partner level can’t just be about minimizing cost.
    — Tim Brackney, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Tsai, the Stanford professor, has conducted research on how emotion in American culture puts value on trying to always feel positive and minimizing negativity and sadness.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of minimizing
Adjective
  • Felix points to Trump’s disparaging and false comments against Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, which put a target on the back of many Haitian immigrants.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The irony is that Trump has been more disparaging and dismissive of the military than any other president.
    — Joe Garofoli, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of disparaging
Verb
  • Kikuchi makes Haru’s occasionally mortifying romantic pursuit both funny and affecting, embracing the character’s impulsive, sometimes ridiculous behavior without diminishing the depth of her loss.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The good news is that its strongest winds and heaviest rain will remain over the Atlantic, with impacts along our coastline gradually diminishing.
    — Kate Bilo, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of diminishing
Adjective
  • At Fuerte Guaicaipuro, a military facility, investigators documented detainees being confined in pit-like cells dug below ground level and subjected to cold, food deprivation and other degrading treatment.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The beating can look degrading, but the check might protect opportunities for hundreds of athletes who never appear in the game.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of degrading
Verb
  • Pentecostal parents Ruth and Marius were accused of domestic violence, with worldwide protests criticizing what dissenters called harsh and hasty steps taken by Norwegian social workers without proper evidence.
    — Tomris Laffly, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Cofer is criticizing Guerra’s absence from the vote and is asking him to publicly state his position on the partnership.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of criticizing

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Cite this Entry

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

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