Synonyms of disparage

disparage

verb

di-ˈsper-ij 

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of

disparaged polo as a sport for the idle rich

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dismiss
• minimize
• diminish
• criticize
• denigrate
• belittle
• derogate
• decry
• deprecate
• bad-mouth
• depreciate
• denounce
• condemn
• discount
• dislike
• talk down
• discredit
• run down
• dump on
• play down
• write off
• trash-talk
• cry down
• scold
• poor-mouth
• trash
• dis
• put down
• vilipend
• kiss off
• vilify
• defame
• disapprove (of)
• abuse
• malign
• slander
• disgrace
• discommend
• censure
• traduce
• slur
• rip
• asperse
• reprehend
• reprobate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• applaud
• exalt
• praise
• extol
• glorify
• endorse
• recommend
• approve
• magnify
• favor
• laud
• commend
• sanction
• countenance
• acclaim
• compliment
• eulogize

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of disparage

These doubters also disparage as unreliable or wishful thinking the oral histories passed down by Hemings’s descendants who have placed Jefferson in their family tree. — Andrew Lawler, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2026

Teesside instead saw itself as half-forgotten by the UK government, then the butt of jokes and disparaging coverage. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

But for as much as Kirk was revered on the right, he was reviled on the left, facing pushback for comments disparaging immigrants and transgender people and questioning the qualifications and capabilities of women and Black Americans. — Elena Moore, NPR, 10 Sep. 2026

Obviously designed to give LSU an advantage by adding more physically advanced and developed players, that tactic was immediately disparaged by opposing coaches, NFL coaches and, more importantly, the SEC itself. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

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