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
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 The remark was meant to be an insult, belittling a company that seemed to care more about hardware profit margins than design and innovation. — Janko Roettgers, The Verge, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belittling
  1. insulting
  2. dismissing
  3. demeaning
  4. minimizing
  5. disparaging
  6. diminishing
  7. degrading
  8. criticizing
Adjective
  • Afterward, Lisa brags about her pickpocketing skills and says theft is easier and less insulting to the mark.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The mother was waiting with her daughter for her other children to get off a school bus when Blanco allegedly approached and made insulting comments, Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said, according to WPRI.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of insulting
Verb
  • Things get even more alarming when Eidra can’t reach Tom Libby and reports start rolling in that Vaughn is dismissing everyone in Trowbridge’s government who’d had a significant relationship with Kate and her team.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Citing 2026 laureate Navi Pillay—known for charging Israel with genocide and dismissing free speech—Schatz warns the award now rewards ideological insider posturing rather than genuine efforts to achieve international peace.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 15 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
  • According to Healthline, testosterone may help protect the brain by slowing nerve cell death, promoting regeneration after injury, minimizing nerve damage and reducing inflammation in the nervous system.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Other Preventative Aphid Control Good garden hygiene, even during the fall and winter months, is crucial for minimizing harborage areas for both overwintering aphid eggs and adults, according to Crumbley.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 16 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
  • That global warming is diminishing them might sounds counterintuitive — climate change, after all, is worsening much of the world’s extreme weather.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Winds will finally begin diminishing Friday evening and overnight.
    — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 15 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
  • Multiple Republicans brought up Bottoms during the debate when criticizing their GOP opponent.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Raman brought up Gates briefly while criticizing the mayor over the Los Angeles Police Department’s handling of federal immigration enforcement during Tuesday night’s debate.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 16 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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