belittles

VERB

detract

Synonyms

STRONGEST

criticize decry deride discredit disparage downplay scorn squelch underestimate

STRONG

blister deprecate depreciate derogate diminish discount downgrade knock lower minimize pan rip roast scorch slam smear squash 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 sour grapes 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.

And that can make for a harsh internal voice that belittles and chastises us.

From New York Times • Apr. 11, 2024

“There will be no compromise with any party that challenges, belittles or violates Malaysian laws,” he said in a statement on Facebook.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 22, 2023

"We are part of it and we will not spare any effort to defend it from anyone who abuses or belittles it."

From Reuters • Feb. 19, 2023

Even the word crisis doesn't do justice to what's happening and while disaster seems excessive, calamity belittles the enormity of what's going on.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2023

“Not monster movies. My sister, as usual, belittles my chosen medium. Want to know the tide?”

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides