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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of decry Undeterred, scores of people took to the streets again this summer to mark the one-year anniversary of the initial mobilization and decry persistent police brutality, corruption, and a prolonged cost-of-living crisis. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2025 City and state officials have decried the move. Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2025 The panelists also decried the increasing loss of film critics in major newspapers and trades. Ed Meza, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025 Zandi isn’t alone in decrying how stuck the housing market has become. Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry
Verb
  • Seven of those charged previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and prosecutors moved to dismiss their felony counts.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Olguin dismissed the case in 2022 after finding Elden’s claims were time-barred without addressing the substance of his allegations.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The age of the Ayatollahs After the fall of the Shah in January 1979, the nascent Islamic Republic denounced his aggressive modernization drive inspired by the West.
    Nik Kowsar, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In a previous statement to Fox News Digital, UNC denounced political violence and vowed to investigate Dixon’s involvement in the organization.
    Julia Bonavita , Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Your advisor may also recommend tax strategies, based on your financial goals, to help minimize your yearly and lifetime tax liability.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • At the time, Lee minimizes the bombshell by way of embellishment.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Several Democratic officials swiftly condemned the agents’ actions as excessive and dangerous.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Schumer later condemned the president for poking fun at federal turmoil.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Zeldin’s cuts have diminished the EPA’s staffing levels, even before Congress has had a chance to weigh in, affecting the environment, public health and government transparency.
    Chris Sellers, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Though the region’s trade reliance on Washington has rapidly diminished as China has become its biggest market, several nations still rely on the US for a large share of their exports, the loss of which would put millions of livelihoods at risk.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some council members have criticized the proposal, citing a lack of communication and calling the move premature.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • So far, the league’s response has been not to fix the issue but, instead, to levy fines against players and coaches who criticize refs.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some of their struggles can be blamed on a tough slate of defenses.
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Real leadership requires a basic understanding of facts and a desire to do more than just blame others.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decry. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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