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Showing results for belittle. Search instead for belittlem.
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.

As a Wisconsin grad, and something of a known jerk, my usual move here is to get snarky and belittle the University of Michigan’s brand new national championship in men’s basketball.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

“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 really wasn't any way to talk about my experiences without seeming to belittle his, so I decided not to talk about Poland and the war.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson