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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• applaud
• praise
• laud
• exalt
• extol
• approve
• glorify
• magnify
• endorse
• recommend
• acclaim
• favor
• sanction
• extoll
• indorse
• countenance
• commend
• 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
• diss
• ostracize
• chide
• knock
• pan
• berate
• slam
• scold
• abhor
• excommunicate
• admonish
• detest
• doom
• castigate
• upbraid
• loathe
• lambast
• revile
• rake
• rebuke
• dispraise
• blast
• blacklist
• dis
• reprimand
• reproach
• lambaste
• vituperate
• reprove
• abominate
• curse
• imprecate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The New York Democrat used the time to criticize the bill's health care and food aid cuts, tax breaks for the wealthy and rollbacks to renewable energy programs, among other parts of the bill that Democrats decry. —CBS News, 3 July 2025

The New York Democrat used the time to criticize the bill’s healthcare and food aid cuts, tax breaks for the wealthy and rollbacks to renewable energy programs, among other parts of the bill that Democrats decry. —Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025

At the end of 2024, the seven plaintiffs signed a petition decrying the situation. —John Aguilar, Denver Post, 2 July 2025

Legislative Democrats and immigration advocates have decried recent immigration efforts, such as the bill Republicans passed last week during a special session that will criminalize local officials for their votes on sanctuary policies. —Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

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