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

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

“At no point in time did I mean, or was it my intent, to disparage a jury,” Connolly said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

“I heard you disparage this fine establishment,” he answered.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

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!