disparage
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to speak contemptuously of; belittle
-
to damage the reputation of
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of disparage
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French desparag(i)er “to match unequally,” from des- dis- 1 + -parag(i)er, verb derivative of parage “equal rank,” also “high birth, noble descent” ( see peerage)
Explanation
If you haven't got anything nice to say, then it's time to disparage someone. It means to belittle or degrade a person or idea. Disparage is a specific way to describe a certain kind of insult, the kind that secures the insulter's place as superior. It often refers to an opinion or criticism lobbed in print or via word of mouth, not necessarily an act done to someone's face. If someone or something is being disparaged, you will often find a competing interest in the wings.
Vocabulary lists containing disparage
The Bill of Rights
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!
Grade 11, List 2
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!
All About That Baseless: Bad-Faith Accusations
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!
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.
“At no point in time did I mean, or was it my intent, to disparage a jury,” Connolly said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
“I took all of his commentary to be very, very careful not to disparage any person on the court or elsewhere,” she said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
Spielberg, for his part, was careful not to disparage streaming.
From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026
"This information in no way is meant to disparage or to condone or support or agree with any of the actions that occurred yesterday," he said.
From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026
But before you disparage it, you have to taste just how hungry these kids are to escape the lower end of the middle class and move up.
From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
