Search Dictionary
Definition of pejorative

pejorative

/pɪˈdʒɒr.ə.tɪv/
pe · jor · a · tive
Adverb:pejoratively
•
Plural:pejoratives
JUMP TO:

pejorative Lexical Profile

pejorative Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Expressing contempt, disapproval, or a low opinion; belittling or disparaging.

Example

"The historian noted that the term originally had a strongly pejorative connotation before being reclaimed by the group."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pejorative
Antonyms
View all antonyms for pejorative

• noun

1

A word, phrase, or grammatical form that expresses contempt, disapproval, or disparagement.

Example

"In the heated debate, both candidates resorted to hurling pejoratives at one another instead of discussing policy."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pejorative
Antonyms
View all antonyms for pejorative

• Rhymes for pejorative

• Nearby Words

peglegged
peglike
pejibaye
pejorative
pejoratively
peke
peking

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 19th century from French péjoratif, from Late Latin peiorativus, derived from Latin peiorare ('to make worse'), from peior ('worse').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pejorative. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pejorative
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.