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 vote came weeks after state Democrats decried the unorthodox mid-decade redistricting as blatant gerrymandering to increase the number of GOP congressional seats. —Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2025

Groups that claimed the mantle of individual liberties would decry new legislation. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025

Atrium Health recently stopped providing gender-affirming medication for people 18 and younger, a move that transgender rights and other LGBTQ organizations around the Charlotte region immediately decried. —Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025

First Amendment law is not settled on library curation While decrying the First Amendment salience of the issue, Daniels repeatedly referenced a recent 5th Circuit Court of Appeals case in Texas as a bedrock of her policy. —Angele Latham, Nashville Tennessean, 15 Aug. 2025

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