DISPARAGING Synonyms: 133 Similar and Opposite Words

disparaging 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈsper-i-jiŋ

Definition of disparaging

as in slighting

intended to make a person or thing seem of little importance or value disparaging comments about the lack of talent among the musical performers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disparaging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of disparage

as in dismissing

to express scornfully one's low opinion of disparaged polo as a sport for the idle rich

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 disparaging

Adjective

Felix points to Trump’s disparaging and false comments against Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, which put a target on the back of many Haitian immigrants. — Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 The irony is that Trump has been more disparaging and dismissive of the military than any other president. — Joe Garofoli, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026 Conservative pundit Meghan McCain blasted commentator Tucker Carlson after a guest on his podcast and online show this week made a disparaging remark about her weight. — Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2025 Emily’s father didn’t say it in a disparaging way—more like That was just Ryan. — Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025 And there would be lots of soldiers around, either Army or National Guard, and the people who were civilians would be young people, very disparaging about the military. — Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025 The 2023 Economic Report Of The President published in March of 2023 was relatively disparaging of cryptoassets and DLTs. — Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 Prior to appearing on Cunningham's show on Monday, Huggins made more disparaging remarks about Xavier. — Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 10 May 2023 As a former prosecutor in New York City and a professor of law at West Point, Tim Bakken believes that most people find solace in casting the most disparaging label possible upon an adversary. — Howard Manly, The Conversation, 20 Dec. 2022

Verb

His disparaging remarks about Muslims, transgender people and others drew outrage from many who argued the racist and hateful language was an attempt to stoke tensions on campus and should not be platformed by colleges and universities. — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Someone briskly assessing workmanship or disparaging a social inferior? — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 On Thursday night, the mayor drew criticism from foodies for her comments disparaging street vendors during a mayoral debate. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026 Webb, however, denies the allegation and takes pleasure in disparaging River and the slow horses. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026 Other negative ads suggested El-Sayed had made disparaging comments about Michelle Obama. — Michael Traugott, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026 Miller and Graham ultimately signed a nondisclosure agreement in 2023 with an understanding that each would refrain from publicly disparaging the other. — Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 The case was later dropped after both sides signed a nondisclosure agreement barring them from publicly disparaging one another. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 According to Grisham’s complaint, their agreement prohibited either party from making disparaging statements. — Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disparaging

Adjective

Even instances of heckling at games – over performance on the court – felt good-natured, rather than insulting.

— Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
The adventures of Addison’s titular shilling include being hoarded, offered as a bribe, and sent as an insulting accompaniment to a letter disinheriting a son.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of insulting

Verb

William Roberson Anyone dismissing the Slingshot (in any form) on practicality grounds is missing the point by a light year or two - the Slingshot makes a Miata seem like a spacious minivan.

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
She was especially hurt that some of the people who criticized Cox most harshly, dismissing him as craven and disingenuous, were those who had the closest relationships with him.

— McKay Coppins, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of dismissing

Adjective

In June 2022, protesters shouting derogatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community tried to force their way into Mojo’s Lounge & Bar, less than a block south of Corner Drug, after threats prompted the downtown Woodland business to cancel a drag event.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026
State Farm Arena policy prohibits clothing displaying explicit language, profanity or derogatory characterizations, while the NBA Fan Code of Conduct prohibits obscene or indecent messages on clothing.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of derogatory

Verb

What makes a roster a championship roster is scheming by accentuating the strengths and minimizing the weaknesses.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
The yearlong closure allowed the park district to address multiple infrastructure needs at once, minimizing the disruption that would have resulted from completing the work over several seasons, according to officials.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of minimizing

Verb

But the war’s unintended consequences have spread far beyond the Middle East, affecting global security, diminishing America’s global standing, and potentially providing its adversaries with an opportunity to expand their influence.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
As more money and attention flow into the space, the challenge is how to capitalize on the cultural cachet of the Grand Slams without diminishing what made that access desirable in the first place.

— Jessica Schiffer, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of diminishing

Adjective

By suggesting that Black women would willingly place their own children in mortal danger for profit, such narratives provided yet another means of humiliating, degrading and dehumanizing African Americans.

— The Conversation, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
With fracking — which is already outlawed on offshore platforms in California waters, and is widely viewed as an environmentally degrading and often risky process — Gilda’s production would jump to about 4,000 barrels a day.

— Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of degrading

Verb

Republican lawmaker Carl DeMaio of San Diego has vocalized his opposition in discussions of the bill, criticizing the idea of providing funding to outlets that make political endorsements.

— Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Yiannopoulos rose to prominence through his provocative statements criticizing political correctness, feminism and Islam.

— Chris Arnold, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of criticizing

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disparages

disparaging

disparagingly

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“Disparaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disparaging. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of disparaging

adjective

verb

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