belittled

VERB

detract

Synonyms

STRONGEST

criticize decry deride discredit disparage downplay scorn squelch underestimate

STRONG

blister deprecate depreciate derogate diminish discount downgrade knock lower minimize pan rip roast scorch slam smear squash 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 sour grapes 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.

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belittled

It is fascinating to me that Thomas, who genuinely feels belittled by every single thing that has ever happened to him, has somehow gotten smaller on the job.

From Slate ● Apr. 17, 2026

The person in front signals, “I’m in charge, you follow me,” while the one behind feels belittled.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 9, 2026

"When I was younger I used to just keep quiet and felt patronised and belittled," she said.

From BBC ● Mar. 4, 2026

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a leftist his administration long belittled, will visit the White House next month as he voiced optimism for ties.

From Barron's ● Jan. 9, 2026

The Party shall continue unabated, in full festival Mode, for some few weeks thereafter, or until the belittled Pestilence has run its course through the Assembled.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

belittled

Example Sentences

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Related Words