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

In recent days, a number of authors and actors signed similar open letters decrying the decision and offering their support to the community. —Thomas Smith, Billboard, 1 May 2025

Tax Evasion Over the years, Francis decried tax evasion by individuals and corporations. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

On Friday, state Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, decried the notion of another police department moving to encrypt its radio traffic. —Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025

The nonpartisan free speech advocacy organization Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression decried the orders as threatening the foundations of justice and free speech. —Daniel Hall, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!