Synonyms for belittle
bɪˈlɪt lbe·lit·tle

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:1.7 / 3 votes

1. belittle

   To decry is to cry down, in some noisy, public, or conspicuous manner. A witness or a statement is discredited; the currency is depreciated; a good name is dishonored by unworthy conduct; we underestimate in our own minds; we may underrate or undervalue in statement to others. These words are used, with few exceptions, of things such as qualities, merits, attainments, etc. To disparage is to belittle by damaging comparison or suggestion; it is used only of things. A man's achievements are disparaged, his motives depreciated, his professions discredited; he himself is calumniated, slandered, etc. Compare SLANDER.

   See synonyms for PRAISE.

   Synonyms:
   carp at, decry, depreciate, derogate from, detract from, discredit, dishonor, disparage, lower, underestimate, underrate, undervalue

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:2.0 / 1 vote

1. minimize, belittle, denigrate, derogateverb

   cause to seem less serious; play down

   "Don't belittle his influence"

   Synonyms:
   calumniate, smear, asperse, diminish, denigrate, minimize, besmirch, disparage, slander, pick at, sully, minimise, downplay, smirch, defame, understate, derogate

2. disparage, belittle, pick atverb

   express a negative opinion of

   "She disparaged her student's efforts"

   Synonyms:
   pluck at, denigrate, disparage, diminish, pick at, peck at, pull at, minimize, derogate, peck

3. diminish, belittleverb

   lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of

   "don't belittle your colleagues"

   Synonyms:
   pick at, fall, denigrate, disparage, diminish, lessen, decrease, minimize, derogate

Matched Categories

1. • Criticize
   • Disparage
   • Lessen

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:3.0 / 1 vote

1. belittleverb

   Synonyms:
   decry, disparage, underrate, depreciate

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "belittle":

   denigrate, underestimate, disparage

How to pronounce belittle?

How to say belittle in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use belittle in a sentence?

1. Bryan Cranston:

   It is a privileged viewpoint to be able to look at the Ku Klux Klan and laugh at them and belittle them for their broken and hateful ideology, but the Ku Klux Klan and Charlottesville and white supremacists — that’s still happening and it’s not funny. It’s not funny to any group that is marginalized by these groups’ hatred, and it really taught me something.

2. Sue Scheff:

   Just because someone has a position of authority doesn't mean they're entitled to belittle and shame others online.

3. Ellen Dorsey:

   They have a smart strategy around building power with the audacity of their vision, critics belittle them and question their authenticity but they are brave and are doubling down.

4. Mark Twain:

   Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

5. Gail Ernst:

   I continued to make sacrifices and not soar higher out of concern for Gail and our family, meanwhile, he hated any success I had, and would belittle me and get angry any time I achieved a goal.