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Showing results for belittle. Search instead for belittl.
Definitions

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 • Jan. 20, 2026

Although he celebrated intensely, Crawford did not belittle Álvarez, acknowledging the quality of the former champion.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2025

They worry that all it does is belittle hard work and dedication, instead, focussing on appearance and the pressure to look a certain way.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2025

"There are ways of doing things that don't ostracise people or belittle them. I don't like belittlement."

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2025

All his stories about work had the same arc: somebody would first underestimate or belittle him, and he would then end up victorious, with the final clever word or action.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.