denigrate

verb

ˈde-ni-ˌgrāt How to pronounce denigrate (audio)
Definition of denigratenext
as in to dismiss
to express scornfully one's low opinion of theater critics have been denigrating her acting ability for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 denigrate 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 Excluded from jobs and housing, some of these new arrivals had turned to Islam as a welcoming alternative to the white society that denigrated them. — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026 For an administration that famously denigrates Chicago, Friday was a notably good day for federal money for the city’s historic status as a rail hub. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Jason Arday, a neurodivergent Black Cambridge professor who was feted as a wunderkind by some and denigrated as a fabulist by others, resigned earlier this month amidst accusations of plagiarism. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for denigrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denigrate
  1. dismiss
  2. minimize
  3. diminish
  4. criticize
  5. disparage
Verb
  • The stance has seen Newsom, who warns the passage of Prop 40 could see an exodus of the super rich from California, mocked and dismissed by fellow Democrats.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The complaint was ultimately dismissed, and Iowa's Republican leaders celebrated the ruling.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • Department leaders are evaluating how to best deploy resources for different emergencies and minimize disruptions.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Research actually shows that having depression can more than double your risk for dementia, so don’t minimize it, Tucker says.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • The National Weather Service said rainfall was diminishing in the area but that rapid river rises and flooding remained possible.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The culture surrounding the use of alcohol has diminished in younger generations, at least anecdotally, Haddock said.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Opponents have criticized using a countywide sales tax to help finance improvements at Marshall.
    — Haley Parsley October 12, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • China criticized Lai’s speech, accusing him of disregarding facts and misleading the public.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • In Sugar Land, Texas, a 90-foot statue of the deity Hanuman, consecrated in 2024 at a temple complex, continues to draw disparaging comments, including one YouTube personality who recently urged its demolition.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Republicans have dumped hundreds of millions into the race to support Paxton, even as there have been leaks of audio clips of Paxton appearing to disparage national involvement in the race.
    — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of disparage

Browse Nearby Words

denies
denigrate
denigrated
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Cite this Entry

“Denigrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denigrate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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