denigrate

verb

ˈde-ni-ˌgrāt How to pronounce denigrate (audio)
Definition of denigratenext
as in to dismiss
to express scornfully one's low opinion of theater critics have been denigrating her acting ability for years

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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 denigrate Paul has backed the theory that the coronavirus emerged from a lab, and has accused Fauci and other top officials of publicly downplaying and denigrating that theory, especially in the early days of the pandemic. — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 29 July 2026 The Best Ways to Enjoy Potatoes Despite their benefits, these starchy vegetables have been denigrated in some nutrition circles because of associations with high-fat diets. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026 These two characters have maybe two minutes of screentime between them, and yet a certain portion of the internet, and Elon Musk, have raged, gnashed teeth and howled to the wind about the way this denigrates a Greek classic. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 In 2018, the court unequivocally repudiated its wartime decision that denigrated Japanese Americans. — Tom Campbell, Oc Register, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for denigrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denigrate
  1. dismiss
  2. minimize
  3. diminish
  4. criticize
  5. disparage
Verb
  • But by the time of his indictment, Lorch was in failing health and found incompetent to stand trial, and lawsuits against him and the church were dismissed due to statute of limitations issues.
    — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The lawsuit was dismissed Monday without prejudice, meaning the case may be filed again.
    — Riley Moser, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • The buffers that have minimized the disruption so far will hold for only so long and must be reinforced if the world is to endure future shocks.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Some formulas do even more than volumize—doubling as heat protectants or incorporating ingredients designed to help minimize damage.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of minimize
Verb
  • The term refers to when tobacco companies in the 1990s were forced to pay billions of dollars for misleading the public about the safety and potential harms of their products, and subsequently saw their power and influence dramatically diminished.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The filter significantly diminishes elements commonly found in water that can be damaging, like chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, heavy metals, and more.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Wasserman Schultz was sharply criticized by Black community leaders and the other four candidates, who are all African American, for running in this district.
    — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Ba's novels explored women caught between traditional upbringing and modern aspirations, criticizing polygamy, widespread in the country, and patriarchy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • Other negative ads suggested El-Sayed had made disparaging comments about Michelle Obama.
    — Michael Traugott, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026
  • But if a broadcaster publicly questions or disparages the viability of candidates, especially the front-runner, as Kevin Collins did on social media during BC’s search process, employers keep those receipts and consequences should be no surprise.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of disparage

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denigrate
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Cite this Entry

“Denigrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denigrate. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on denigrate

Nglish: Translation of denigrate for Spanish Speakers

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