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Synonyms

disparagement

American  
[dih-spar-ij-muhnt] / dɪˈspær ɪdʒ mənt /

noun

  1. the act of disparaging. disparaging.

  2. something that derogates or casts in a bad light, as a remark or censorious essay.


Other Word Forms

  • self-disparagement noun

Etymology

Origin of disparagement

1480–90; < Anglo-French, Middle French desparagement, equivalent to desparag ( ier ) to disparage + -ment -ment

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.

He notes without disparagement that football is conservative and masculine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

In his statement, released on Tuesday, Ikwechegh extended his “heartfelt apologies” to the police chief “ recognising the unintended disparagement my remarks may have caused to his person, his office, and the entire institution”.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2024

Similarly, Clark said, an attorney could try to nullify an old agreement using a 2023 decision from the National Labor Relations Board that related to disparagement clauses in severance agreements.

From Slate • Oct. 23, 2024

Sydney Sweeney’s team fired back at Hollywood producer Carol Baum for her “shameful” disparagement of the actor, calling Baum out for not supporting a fellow female producer.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2024

As befit the man who had challenged Ernest Rutherford’s disparagement of atomic power as “moonshine” back in 1933, Ernest Lawrence’s first instinct was to take the news of fission as vindication.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik