DISPARAGE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'disparage' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disparage are belittle , decry , and depreciate . While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison. // disparaged polo as a game for the rich

Q: When might 'belittle' be a better fit than 'disparage'?

The meanings of belittle and disparage largely overlap; however, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude. // belittled the achievements of others

Q: When is 'decry' a more appropriate choice than 'disparage'?

The synonyms decry and disparage are sometimes interchangeable, but decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit. // decried their defeatist attitude

Q: When is it sensible to use 'depreciate' instead of 'disparage'?

While the synonyms depreciate and disparage are close in meaning, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed. // critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

disparage

verb

di-ˈsper-ij

Definition of disparage

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of disparaged polo as a sport for the idle rich

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How does the verb disparage contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of disparage are belittle, decry, and depreciate. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison.

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

When might belittle be a better fit than disparage?

The meanings of belittle and disparage largely overlap; however, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

When is decry a more appropriate choice than disparage?

The synonyms decry and disparage are sometimes interchangeable, but decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit.

decried their defeatist attitude

When is it sensible to use depreciate instead of disparage?

While the synonyms depreciate and disparage are close in meaning, depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

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 disparage Few stars get straight to the point like actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who has spoken on multiple occasions about the disparaging comments that inspired her decision to get plastic surgery. — Louis Peitzman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026 After two South Korean journalists were recorded making disparaging comments about Son’s military service, the squad briefly refused to speak to their local media. — Tomás Hill López-Menchero, New York Times, 29 June 2026 Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison took to X to voice frustration with candidates hopping on the Democratic ballot while disparaging the party itself. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2026 All the charges are related to his 2025 New York City Council race, but Rinaldi has continued to use AI to support his campaign for the New York State Assembly this year and disparage his opponents. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for disparage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparage

Verb

In April, the Superior Court dismissed the three citations Hubbard received in May 2025 when no park ranger or city attorney appeared for the prosecution, his lawsuit states.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Freeney did not dismiss the business side of the arrangement.

— Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2026
Keep all windows and doors closed so your pet cannot easily escape, and draw the shades to minimize the sound and flashes of light.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026
The union said that unresolved complaints made against Hawk and existing climate issues have significantly diminished confidence among many educators.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026

Definition of diminish

Verb

For all her talk of women as allies, Siebel Newsom portrays conservative women who criticize other women as dupes manipulated by MAGA leaders.

— Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Last month, his ally Uthmeier declined to criticize the state party’s decision to limit the debate.

— Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Definition of criticize

Verb

In 2018, the court unequivocally repudiated its wartime decision that denigrated Japanese Americans.

— Tom Campbell, Oc Register, 4 July 2026
Butler was one of several key women in the history of environmental restoration who took advantage of the fact that botany was not entirely restricted to men—though this also meant that it was denigrated as a feminine pastime.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026

Definition of denigrate

Verb

The Babylon Bee posted a satirical video suggesting that if a female president was mercurial — launching foreign wars, trade wars and petty feuds — and focusing on gewgaws and shoes, she’d be endlessly belittled.

— Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
Trump, on the other hand, belittles and degrades people every day.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

Definition of belittle

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disowns

disparage

disparaged

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“Disparage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparage. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of disparage

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