disparage

[dih-spar-ij] / dɪˈspær ɪdʒ /

VERB

criticize; detract from

Synonyms

STRONGEST

belittle decry defame degrade denigrate deride discredit dismiss malign ridicule scorn slander underrate vilify

STRONG

abuse chill deject demoralize deprecate depreciate derogate discourage disdain dishearten dispirit lower minimize pan rap roast scorch slam smear traduce underestimate undervalue

WEAK

cry down dis dispraise downcry dump on put down put hooks in run down sour grapes tear down write off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

admire approve commend compliment exaggerate exalt flatter honor praise

STRONG

encourage esteem hearten increase inspirit laud maximize overestimate overrate raise respect

WEAK

sanction

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.

He called upon people to love their enemies, not rebuke them or disparage their existence.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

In the letter terminating Pelley's contract on Tuesday, Bilton accused him of hijacking the staff meeting to disparage Bilton, his qualificatons and intentions with "remarkable incivility and contempt".

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Spielberg, for his part, was careful not to disparage streaming.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

The work of philanthropy, then, isn’t to command or correct—and it certainly isn’t to demean and disparage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

“It’s an archaic instrument with no room for subtlety. Not to disparage your choice of instrument,” I said quickly.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Vocabulary lists containing disparage

The Bill of Rights

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Grade 11, List 2

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All About That Baseless: Bad-Faith Accusations

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