Put-down — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈpu̇t-ˌdau̇n/

Meaning & Definition of Put-down

Put-down (noun)

  1. an act or instance of putting down; especially, a humiliating remark

Put-down (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings

    "new hires always have to deal with put-downs and practical jokes from the older employees"

    similar: affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis (slang), epithet, gird, indignity, insult, name, offense, outrage, personality, poke, sarcasm, slap, slight, slur
    related: catcall, gibe, jeer, mock, quip, sneer, taunt, abuse, invective, vituperation, disapproval, opprobrium, disgrace, dishonor, shame, attack, criticism, knock, slam, swipe, torment, torture
    near: accolade, commendation, compliment, acclaim, applause, praise, adulation, flattery

  2. the act of making a person or a thing seem little or unimportant

    "your never-ending put-down of my musical talents is really starting to annoy me"

    similar: belittlement, denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement
    related: aspersion, backbiting, calumny, defamation, libel, slander, vilification, derision, mockery, ridicule, abuse, invective, vituperation, censure, condemnation, criticism, denouncement, denunciation, de-emphasis, minimization, soft-pedaling
    opposite: aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification
    near: acclaim, praise, approbation, approval, blessing, commendation, hype, puffery

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Put-down

The most common words with a similar meaning to Put-down:

Slang: dis
affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, epithet, gird, indignity, insult, name, offense, outrage, personality, poke, sarcasm, slap, slight, slur, belittlement, denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Put-down

Words with the opposite meaning of Put-down:

aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification

Related Words for Put-down

catcall, gibe, jeer, mock, quip, sneer, taunt, abuse, invective, vituperation, disapproval, opprobrium, disgrace, dishonor, shame, attack, criticism, knock, slam, swipe, torment, torture, aspersion, backbiting, calumny, defamation, libel, slander, vilification, derision

Near Antonyms of Put-down

accolade, commendation, compliment, acclaim, applause, praise, adulation, flattery, approbation, approval, blessing, hype, puffery

Origin & Etymology of Put-down

First known use: 1932

Frequently Asked Questions about Put-down

What does "Put-down" mean?

"Put-down" means an act or instance of putting down; especially, a humiliating remark. As a noun, it is defined as: an act or instance of putting down; especially, a humiliating remark. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Put-down"?

Other words for "Put-down" include affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis and epithet. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Put-down" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Put-down"?

There are 67 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Put-down". Common alternatives include affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis, epithet, gird and indignity.

What is the opposite of "Put-down"?

Antonyms of "Put-down" include aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification and magnification. Near antonyms include accolade, commendation, compliment and acclaim.

How do you use "Put-down" in a sentence?

Examples of "Put-down" in a sentence: "new hires always have to deal with put-downs and practical jokes from the older employees"; "your never-ending put-down of my musical talents is really starting to annoy me".

Is "Put-down" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Put-down" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Put-down"?

"Put-down" is pronounced /ˈpu̇t-ˌdau̇n/.

What is the origin of the word "Put-down"?

First known use: 1932.