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.

"When you're in politics... or whatever your line of work, you should not be attacked personally. And certainly not AI used to belittle you."

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

“I will not belittle that one bit. But I will say, it’s the curse of a leader.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

"That's my genuine hope and if it's not through me hopefully it can be through the next comic or someone else can make them realise that it's sad trying to belittle someone on the internet."

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2025

He set out to provoke and belittle the Ukrainian leader.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2025

“Because I’m an assassin, and he’s Captain of the Guard, forced to belittle himself by minding the would-be King’s Champion.”

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

belittle

Example Sentences

Related Words