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 Trump publicly attacked and belittled Harris throughout their 2024 campaigns. — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 The list of analysts who have spent years belittling Allen is extensive. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026 Will’s obsessive, put-upon mother, Susan (Tandi Wright), belittles Alice, dresses her down for her attire at the funeral, and forces her to wear heels that don’t fit, leaving her feet bloody. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 10 July 2026 Platner insulted members of the military and belittled Bronze Star winners. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 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
  • But Smith dismissed the idea that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was trying to boost his chances in upcoming domestic elections.
    — Samantha Subin,CJ Haddad,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Also Tuesday, just after court was dismissed, Dawn Light, 56, of Sutton, Massachusetts, was arrested outside the courthouse in Plymouth, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police confirmed.
    — Blayne Alexander, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • That dynamic undoubtedly minimizes the adjustment associated with staff upheaval.
    — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Mazama Energy’s demonstrated superhot rock platform optimizes well construction, drilling, and stimulation to boost power capacity while minimizing water use, land footprint, and well counts.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • At least one expert said that some workers could have access to oxygen, but others warned that the chances of finding survivors were diminishing.
    — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Violence diminishes its victims, forcing everyone to play a single thankless role.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • His disparaging remarks about Muslims, transgender people and others drew outrage from many who argued the racist and hateful language was an attempt to stoke tensions on campus and should not be platformed by colleges and universities.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Someone briskly assessing workmanship or disparaging a social inferior?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of disparage
Verb
  • Newsom’s film speaks directly to harm inflicted on young women who are routinely denigrated on social media and who face constant scrutiny of their appearance and comportment through online platforms.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Some of the reason for this is rooted in a foreign influence campaign designed to denigrate America’s artificial intelligence dominance so that China, in particular, can dominate the technology and jobs of the future.
    — Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of denigrate
Verb
  • The move came days after Stephens publicly criticized EMCC and Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference leadership over changes to the league’s football schedule and playoff format.
    — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also defended the decision to increase bond purchases earlier last month, after investor Stanley Druckenmiller criticized the move.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of criticize

Browse Nearby Words

believing
belittle
belittled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belittle. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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