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.

“I took all of his commentary to be very, very careful not to disparage any person on the court or elsewhere,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

"This information in no way is meant to disparage or to condone or support or agree with any of the actions that occurred yesterday," he said.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

As Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens understood, this phrase was likely not meant to disparage lawyers, but a recognition of the crucial role of lawyers in preserving the rule of law.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2025

This caused perhaps the most publicized dissent against the Lazarus woodpecker, with op-ed pieces running weekly in the paper to disparage John Barling and his mob of birdwatcher friends.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley

Vocabulary lists containing disparage

The Bill of Rights

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Grade 11, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

All About That Baseless: Bad-Faith Accusations

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!