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

Some people see it is as harmless entertainment between two high-profile players, but others believe it could belittle the women's game if Sabalenka loses.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

"When you go overseas, respect the local customs and culture. You can choose not to eat it. There is no need to belittle our food," said one comment on Weibo.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2025

“No artist, producer, director, or leader—regardless of legacy or celebrity—should be allowed to weaponize their platform to belittle, threaten, or devalue others without consequence. Period,” the letter states.

From Salon • May 31, 2025

The teacher proceeded to belittle everyone from German Eva, who hated laziness, to Japanese Yukari, who loved paintbrushes and soap.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

belittle

Example Sentences

Related Words