decry

1 to express scornfully one's low opinion of <scientists were quick to decry the claims of the psychic> Synonyms bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate, derogate, diminish, dis (also diss) [slang], discount, dismiss, disparage, kiss off, minimize, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off Related Words discommend; abuse, scold; disapprove (of), dislike; censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate; asperse, defame, malign, rip, slander, slur, traduce, vilify; discredit, disgrace Phrases dump on Near Antonyms approve, countenance, endorse (also indorse), favor, recommend, sanction; commend, compliment, eulogize Antonyms acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, magnify, praise

2 to declare to be morally wrong or evil <a statement by the church decrying modern society's liberal attitude regarding marriage and divorce> Synonyms anathematize, censure, damn, condemn, denounce, execrate, reprehend, reprobateRelated Words attack, blame, blast, criticize, dis (also diss) [slang], dispraise, fault, knock, pan, slam; belittle, deprecate, disparage; doom, sentence; convict; blacklist, excommunicate, ostracize; castigate, chastise, rebuke, reprimand, reproach; admonish, chide, reprove; berate, lambaste (or lambast), rake, scold, upbraid, vituperate; curse, imprecate; abhor, abominate, detest, hate, loathe, revileNear Antonyms approve, endorse (also indorse), sanction; eulogize, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, praise; acclaim, applaud, commend, hail, salute, tout; consecrate, hallow, sanctify; honor, revere, venerateAntonyms bless