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Showing results for belittle. Search instead for Belittle/4.
Definitions

belittle

[bih-lit-l] / bɪˈlɪt l /
VERB
detract
Synonyms
STRONGEST
criticize decry deride discredit disparage downplay scorn underestimate
STRONG
deprecate depreciate derogate diminish discount downgrade knock lower minimize pan rip roast slam smear trivialize underrate undervalue
WEAK
bad-mouth cut down to size cut to the quick dispraise dump on pooh pooh poor-mouth put down run down scoff at shoot down shoot full of holes sneer at take a swipe at take down take down a peg tear down write off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
approve commend compliment flatter laud praise
STRONG
enlarge increase overestimate overrate overvalue raise upgrade
WEAK
build up exaggerate value

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Taiwan declined to comment on its accuracy, but called it a “crude and clumsy” effort to divide Taiwanese society, belittle the government and hurt morale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Some see the encounter between four-time major singles champion Sabalenka and Australia's former world number 13 Kyrgios as harmless entertainment, but others believe it could belittle the women's game if Sabalenka loses.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2025

"There are ways of doing things that don't ostracise people or belittle them. I don't like belittlement."

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2025

He set out to provoke and belittle the Ukrainian leader.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2025

But then I realize that he’s not trying to dismiss or belittle my feelings.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.