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.

As a Wisconsin grad, and something of a known jerk, my usual move here is to get snarky and belittle the University of Michigan’s brand new national championship in men’s basketball.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

“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

They worry that all it does is belittle hard work and dedication, instead, focussing on appearance and the pressure to look a certain way.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2025

He set out to provoke and belittle the Ukrainian leader.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2025

Some people believed that Bobby was still stewing over the fact that he’d refused to play Karpov in 1975, and therefore was trying to belittle Karpov’s resulting match with Kasparov.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Vocabulary lists containing belittle

100 SAT Words Beginning with "B"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Vocabulary from the Third and Final Presidential Debate, October 19, 2016

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

This Week in Words: September 29 - October 5, 2018

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!