1 deprecate | Definition of deprecate
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

deprecate

verb
dep·​re·​cate | \ ˈde-pri-ˌkāt How to pronounce deprecate (audio) \
deprecated; deprecating; deprecates

Definition of deprecate

transitive verb

1 : to express disapproval of deprecates such attempts at humor
2a : play down : make little of speaks five languages 
 but deprecates this facility — Time
b : belittle, disparage the most reluctantly admired and least easily deprecated of 
 novelists — New Yorker
3 : to withdraw official support for or discourage the use of (something, such as a software product) in favor of a newer or better alternative 
 the Google Drive app for PC and Mac is officially being deprecated and the company's developers announced in a blog post that it will no longer be supported starting December 11. Instead, you'll need to choose from one of two new apps.— Rhett Jones In the case of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, Microsoft is deprecating and removing more than 20 features.— Mauro Huculak
4a : to seek to avert deprecate the wrath 
 of the Roman people— Tobias Smollett
b archaic : to pray against (something, such as an evil)
Other Words from deprecate Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about deprecate

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from deprecate

deprecation \ ˌde-​pri-​ˈkā-​shən How to pronounce deprecation (audio) \ noun

Examples of deprecate in a Sentence

movie critics tried to outdo one another in deprecating the comedy as the stupidest movie of the year deprecates TV sitcoms as childish and simpleminded

Recent Examples on the Web

 Younger creators are trying to become the next Emma Chamberlain, using self-deprecating humor and behind-the-scenes clips from editing sessions to connect with their viewers. — Julia Alexander, The Verge, "David Dobrik helped redefine YouTube culture four years ago, and people are celebrating," 30 July 2019 He was struck by Elvis’s between-song banter, which the singer filled with self-deprecating jokes and sarcasm. — Geoff Edgers, Twin Cities, "The summer of 1969: When Elvis made his true comeback — Vegas-style," 9 Aug. 2019 Throughout Stuber, Bautista's physical presence easily plays off Nanjiani's deadpan, self-deprecating, and intellectual comedy stylings. — Nathan Mattise, Ars Technica, "Stuber review: The world’s worst Uber ride becomes pure popcorn comedy," 12 July 2019 Gloria is an empathic, good-natured consensus builder, with a dry, self-deprecating wit. — Karen Karbo, National Geographic, "How Gloria Steinem became the 'world’s most famous feminist'," 25 Mar. 2019 He was struck by Elvis’s between-song banter, which the singer filled with self-deprecating jokes and sarcasm. — Geoff Edgers, Twin Cities, "The summer of 1969: When Elvis made his true comeback — Vegas-style," 9 Aug. 2019 He was struck by Elvis’s between-song banter, which the singer filled with self-deprecating jokes and sarcasm. — Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, "The summer of 1969: When Elvis made his true comeback," 7 Aug. 2019 Following its long arc, the franchise has traveled from credible working-class grit to the self-consciously absurd and costs be damned, but with the saving grace of self-deprecating humor. — Todd Mccarthy, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw': Film Review," 31 July 2019 Johnson’s wit is irresistibly British: self-deprecating. — Kyle Smith, National Review, "Who Is Boris Johnson?," 19 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deprecate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of deprecate

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 4b

History and Etymology for deprecate

Latin deprecatus, past participle of deprecari to avert by prayer, from de- + precari to pray — more at pray

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for deprecate

deprecate

verb
How to pronounce deprecate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of deprecate

formal : to criticize or express disapproval of (someone or something)

See the full definition for deprecate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on deprecate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with deprecate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for deprecate

Nglish: Translation of deprecate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of deprecate for Arabic Speakers

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!