depreciate

verb

di-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt How to pronounce depreciate (audio)
Definition of depreciatenext
1
as in to reduce
to diminish the price or value of a faded finish will really depreciate your car when you decide to trade it in

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to dismiss
to express scornfully one's low opinion of dared to depreciate Shakespeare, saying his works have no relevance for modern audiences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb depreciate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of depreciate are belittle, decry, and disparage. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

When is belittle a more appropriate choice than depreciate?

While in some cases nearly identical to depreciate, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

In what contexts can decry take the place of depreciate?

The words decry and depreciate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit.

decried their defeatist attitude

When might disparage be a better fit than depreciate?

Although the words disparage and depreciate have much in common, disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison.

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of depreciate Unlike most six‑figure exotics that depreciate as predictably as the setting sun, the 911 has behaved like a blue‑chip asset, giving owners confidence that their purchase rested on unusually solid financial ground. — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The value of their veteran top goalscorer and forward-line talisman last season is depreciating year by year. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 As for how the yen depreciated, Japan's comparatively low interest rates have remained a key factor weighing on the currency. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 3 Aug. 2026 During their useful life, the assets purchased with CapEx almost always depreciate, or lose value. — Colin Dodds, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for depreciate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depreciate
  1. reduce
  2. dismiss
  3. devalue
  4. diminish
  5. minimize
  6. criticize
Verb
  • Its movements and squeaks change in response to the person interacting with it, giving caregivers another way to reduce distress and encourage engagement.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • For instance, a creditor might bid $35,000 for a $50,000 SUV, reducing the judgment by that amount, then sell it for $50,000, pocketing $15,000.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • On Wednesday, lawyers for Gomez filed a motion to dismiss the artist from the suit, and said she should have never been dragged into the case in the first place.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
  • El-Sayed dismissed a potential fundraising gap in the race, which could occur if donors were pushed towards Rogers or if outside groups like AIPAC intervened on Rogers’ behalf.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • Texas joins national push for accelerated programs, even as some critics warn the trend could devalue diplomas.
    — Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The American Association of University Professors, for one, says the programs devalue the meaning of a college credential.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of devalue
Verb
  • At least one expert said that some workers could have access to oxygen, but others warned that the chances of finding survivors were diminishing.
    — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Violence diminishes its victims, forcing everyone to play a single thankless role.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Once the major economies stop asking how to minimize the global costs of adjustment and begin asking instead how to minimize their own risk, the opportunity to find a relatively painless solution to the global trade imbalance will have passed.
    — MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The hotel takes part in ‘Green Engage’ initiatives to minimize carbon footprint and is committed to reducing plastic use by 90 percent and glass waste by 80 percent (although no official end-date has been set).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • The move came days after Stephens publicly criticized EMCC and Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference leadership over changes to the league’s football schedule and playoff format.
    — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also defended the decision to increase bond purchases earlier last month, after investor Stanley Druckenmiller criticized the move.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of criticize

Browse Nearby Words

deprecatory
depreciate
depreciated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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