Synonyms

disparaging

American

[dih-spar-i-jing] / dɪˈspær ɪ dʒɪŋ /

adjective

that disparages; tending to belittle or bring reproach upon.

a disparaging remark.

Sensitive Note

In this dictionary, the label Disparaging indicates that a term or definition is used with a deliberate intent to disparage, as to belittle a particular ethnic, religious, or social group. It is often paired with the label Offensive, which describes a term that gives offense whether or not any offense was intended.

Other Word Forms

disparagingly adverb
nondisparaging adjective
self-disparaging adjective

Etymology

Origin of disparaging

First recorded in 1635–45; disparag(e) + -ing ²

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.

Campbell’s CPB -0.08%decrease; red down pointing triangle said it fired the executive allegedly caught on audio disparaging the company’s products.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I don’t like using a book to refute things or to say anything disparaging about another person,” she clarifies.

From Los Angeles Times

He wants a full retraction of the Panorama documentary, an apology for the "false, defamatory, disparaging, misleading and inflammatory statements" made about him in it, and appropriate compensation "for the harm caused".

From BBC

It accuses the BBC of making "false, defamatory, disparaging, misleading, and inflammatory statements" about him.

From BBC

He added that US rhetoric over Nigeria had been "disparaging" and that "dialogue and cooperation" should "remain the standard in engagement between and among sovereign states".

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023