DENIGRATE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

denigrate

verb

ˈde-ni-ˌgrāt

Definition of denigrate

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of theater critics have been denigrating her acting ability for years

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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 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 Glass also noted that the district policy requires that instruction about religion be academic rather than devotional, and that no faith may be promoted or denigrated. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Arday became the focus of hundreds of articles doubting his credibility and denigrating his character in the British and international media. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026 Campaigning for Larson in the district, Murphy denigrated Bronin’s eight years as Hartford’s mayor. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for denigrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for denigrate

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

Once the major economies stop asking how to minimize the global costs of adjustment and begin asking instead how to minimize their own risk, the opportunity to find a relatively painless solution to the global trade imbalance will have passed.

— MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
The hotel takes part in ‘Green Engage’ initiatives to minimize carbon footprint and is committed to reducing plastic use by 90 percent and glass waste by 80 percent (although no official end-date has been set).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 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

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

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

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denigrate

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“Denigrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denigrate. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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