deprecative
Conveying mild criticism
Deprecative describes expressing disapproval or belittlement: a deprecative remark about her cooking, his deprecative tone.
The word overlaps almost entirely with deprecatory, which is more common.
Self-deprecative humor puts oneself down, though self-deprecating is the usual form.
She made a deprecative gesture, dismissing the compliment.
Express low opinion of
- belittleTo make something seem unimportant
- trivializeMake light of
- minimizeReduce to smallest extent
- downplayDiminish perceived importance
undervalue · underestimate · mock · deride · ridicule · scoff · disdain · snub
Term expressing disapproval
- denigratoryUnfairly critical in nature
- defamatoryHarming someone's good name
- libelousFalsely damaging someone's reputation
- slanderousFalsely damaging to reputation
insulting · demeaning · disrespectful · abusive · vituperative · opprobrious · calumnious · offensive
Disapproving facial expression
- disfavorLack of approval
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- dissatisfactionState of being displeased
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
discontent · disesteem · demur · tut-tut · scorn · reproachful · withering · dismissive
Mock through exaggeration
- lampoonHarsh public mockery
- parodySatirical imitation
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
- sardonicGrimly mocking
sneering · scornful · contemptuous · disdainful · taunting · cynical · ironic · sarcastic
Harm another's reputation
- undercutSell cheaper than rivals
- subvertSecretly weaken authority
- weakenReduce in strength
- erodeDiminish through persistent friction
invalidate · sabotage · destabilize · impugn · compromise · detract · diminish · delegitimize
disparage
Express low opinion of
- belittleTo make something seem unimportant
- trivializeMake light of
- minimizeReduce to smallest extent
downplay · undervalue · underestimate · mock · deride · ridicule · scoff · disdain · snub · taunt
pejorative
Term expressing disapproval
- denigratoryUnfairly critical in nature
- defamatoryHarming someone's good name
- libelousFalsely damaging someone's reputation
slanderous · insulting · demeaning · disrespectful · abusive · vituperative · opprobrious · calumnious · offensive · degrading
frown
Disapproving facial expression
- disfavorLack of approval
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- dissatisfactionState of being displeased
displeasure · discontent · disesteem · demur · tut-tut · scorn · reproachful · withering · dismissive · unimpressed
satirize
Mock through exaggeration
- lampoonHarsh public mockery
- parodySatirical imitation
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
sardonic · sneering · scornful · contemptuous · disdainful · taunting · cynical · ironic · sarcastic · scoffing
discredit
Harm another's reputation
erode · invalidate · sabotage · destabilize · impugn · compromise · detract · diminish · delegitimize · devalue
denounce
Publicly declare wrongdoing
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
castigate · criticize · chastise · admonish · berate · upbraid · reproach · decry · excoriate · vilify
deprecativecomplimentary
Free or expressing praise
laudatory · praising · appreciative · flattering · commendatory
deprecativeuncritical
Lacking discerning judgment
accepting · supportive · indulgent · approving · tolerant