Definitions

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.

Newly appointed "60 Minutes" executive producer Nick Bilton said Pelley "hijacked my first meeting with staff to disparage me, my qualifications, and my intentions with remarkable incivility and contempt."

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

USA men's ice hockey player Brady Tkachuk has distanced himself from an AI-enhanced White House video in which he appears to disparage Canadians, saying "those words would never come out of my mouth".

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

It also barred comments that could “defame, disparage or in any way criticize” LAUSD, its employees and leaders.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2026

The signage removal comes after a March 2025 executive order called for the review of over 400 national sites to remove or modify interpretive materials that “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.”

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

And there is always the non-productive brotherhood of critics to disparage and to satirize, to view with horror and contempt.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

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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