Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for belittle. Search instead for elittuk.
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

Taiwan declined to comment on its accuracy, but called it a “crude and clumsy” effort to divide Taiwanese society, belittle the government and hurt morale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

"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

He set out to provoke and belittle the Ukrainian leader.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2025

I'm hardly qualified to belittle anyone else's pronunciation, but he was setting himself up by acting like such an expert.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris