Synonym Chooser

How does the verb depreciate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of depreciate are belittle, decry, and disparage. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

When is belittle a more appropriate choice than depreciate?

While in some cases nearly identical to depreciate, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

In what contexts can decry take the place of depreciate?

The words decry and depreciate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit.

decried their defeatist attitude

When might disparage be a better fit than depreciate?

Although the words disparage and depreciate have much in common, disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison.

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

Examples 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 depreciate After back-to-back seasons with depreciating value offensively and a negative plus/minus, the 30-year-old was shipped out west to free up $8 million from the cap. Tyler Small, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 Costs will be depreciated over seven years rather than expensed in 2023, according to the trade association. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2024 During the last trade war, the country allowed the yuan to depreciate against the U.S. dollar, effectively making Chinese exports to the U.S. cheaper. Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024 The Eastwood movie, apart from the lower price, also will have depreciated performance with its streaming on Max starting on December 20. Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for depreciate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for depreciate
Verb
  • These tools allow professionals to focus on strategic decision-making, reducing time spent on repetitive tasks.
    Carlos Netto, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Addiction Early studies suggest GLP-1 drugs may reduce cravings for alcohol, nicotine and opioids by modulating the brain’s reward pathways.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • She was dismissed in June 2024 after a run of seven games without a win.
    Asif Burhan, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Both cases were dismissed following Trump's reelection in November due to a longstanding Justice Department policy prohibiting the prosecution of a sitting president.
    Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Such behavior disrupts listening and devalues the speaker, creating a culture of superficial engagement.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Lebanon has faced economic collapse, with its currency devalued by over 99%, and nearly 80% of the population now living below the poverty line.
    Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • That’s a trend that’s stayed steady throughout the season to the point that any upward regression expected by the model has diminished.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Maryland faltered for the first time, a loss that dims but shouldn’t diminish its impressive start as its ceiling comes clearer into focus.
    Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Patient recruitment, a common bottleneck, is significantly improved with AI, which analyzes eligibility criteria and patient demographics to quickly identify and assemble suitable participants, minimizing dropouts and delays.
    Ariel Katz, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Through its Predictive Models that anticipate market trends, UME Tech empowers businesses to adopt effective strategies but minimize marketing expenses.
    Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Obama, in turn, has criticized Trump, particularly on issues of democracy and policy.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • And just this week, Pritzker openly criticized Welch after the governor said the speaker did nothing to stop more than one of his members from berating and verbally abusing staff experts from the governor’s administration called in to explain the hemp issues to the Democratic Caucus.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near depreciate

Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/depreciate. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

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