Synonyms of decry

decry

verb

di-ˈkrī 

1

as in to dismiss

to express scornfully one's low opinion of

scientists were quick to decry the claims of the psychic

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dismiss
• minimize
• criticize
• diminish
• denigrate
• disparage
• denounce
• condemn
• derogate
• belittle
• deprecate
• discount
• dislike
• dump on
• run down
• write off
• talk down
• depreciate
• play down
• bad-mouth
• trash-talk
• scold
• cry down
• dis
• kiss off
• discredit
• trash
• poor-mouth
• put down
• vilipend
• abuse
• vilify
• disapprove (of)
• malign
• discommend
• slander
• censure
• disgrace
• defame
• rip
• traduce
• slur
• reprobate
• reprehend
• asperse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• applaud
• praise
• approve
• exalt
• extol
• glorify
• magnify
• endorse
• recommend
• laud
• favor
• sanction
• countenance
• commend
• acclaim
• compliment
• eulogize

2

as in to denounce

to declare to be morally wrong or evil

a statement by the church decrying modern society's liberal attitude regarding marriage and divorce

Synonyms & Similar Words

• denounce
• condemn
• criticize
• blame
• attack
• censure
• anathematize
• damn
• disparage
• execrate
• reprehend
• fault
• sentence
• hate
• reprobate
• belittle
• deprecate
• convict
• chastise
• ostracize
• chide
• knock
• pan
• berate
• scold
• slam
• abhor
• excommunicate
• admonish
• detest
• doom
• castigate
• upbraid
• loathe
• revile
• rake
• dispraise
• rebuke
• blast
• dis
• reprimand
• reproach
• blacklist
• vituperate
• lambaste
• reprove
• abominate
• curse
• imprecate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• endorse
• bless
• sanction
• praise
• applaud
• commend
• exalt
• extol
• glorify
• salute
• tout
• laud
• hail
• honor
• eulogize
• sanctify
• consecrate
• revere
• acclaim
• venerate
• hallow

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb decry contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of decry are belittle, depreciate, and disparage. While all these words mean "to express a low opinion of," decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit.

decried their defeatist attitude

In what contexts can belittle take the place of decry?

The words belittle and decry are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

Where would depreciate be a reasonable alternative to decry?

The words depreciate and decry can be used in similar contexts, but depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

When would disparage be a good substitute for decry?

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

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of decry

Some left-leaning critics have decried the test for focusing on the works of old, white men. — Chris Quintana, USA Today, 30 July 2026

As well as being Reilly’s champion and big-brother figure, Tony Wilson was a legendary hater who loudly decried his prize artist’s singing voice, including in the liner notes of his own reissue of Vini Reilly. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

Purists may decry the commercialisation of the beautiful game, but this has been happening for decades. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 29 July 2026

Ironically, in what several key movie-making legends have decried and lamented as a self-destructive move, Hollywood has been training the audience not to head out to theaters, but instead to wait patiently at home. — Adam Aron, Variety, 29 July 2026

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