derogatory

[dih-rog-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / dɪˈrɒg əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

ADJECTIVE

offensive, uncomplimentary

Synonyms

STRONGEST

defamatory degrading demeaning disparaging sarcastic slanderous unflattering

WEAK

aspersing belittling calumnious censorious contumelious critical damaging decrying deprecatory depreciative despiteful detracting disdainful dishonoring fault-finding humiliating injurious malevolent malicious maligning minimizing opprobrious reproachful scornful slighting spiteful unfavorable vilifying

Antonyms

STRONGEST

complimentary

WEAK

appreciative favorable flattering praising

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.

He said both appear unlikely, but “the greater risk is some derogatory change, rather than some salutary change.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention issued a statement calling the clip “intentionally derogatory and dehumanizing.”

From Salon • Feb. 11, 2026

At the time, the director’s attorney Martin Singer rejected the women’s claims, saying that his client “vehemently denies the outrageous derogatory allegations that have been reported about him.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2026

Gauff took exception to someone in the crowd who appeared to have made a derogatory remark about Baptiste during the match.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

Soon they had enough derogatory information on Major Major to do whatever they wanted to with him.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing derogatory

Of Mice and Men

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"Of Mice and Men"

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Grade 9, List 5

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