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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Taiwan declined to comment on its accuracy, but called it a “crude and clumsy” effort to divide Taiwanese society, belittle the government and hurt morale.

From The Wall Street Journal

It saddens me to say but relegation may be the only way forward to rescue this club from the poor quality ownership that belittles this once proud club.

From BBC

Others believe it is a misguided venture and, if Sabalenka loses, will create an opportunity for women's tennis to be belittled.

From BBC

It prompts other team members to drop out of the discussion or withhold information, fearing that they will be belittled if they speak up.

From The Wall Street Journal

belittle

Example Sentences

Related Words