DECRY Synonyms: 114 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

decry

verb

di-ˈkrī

Definition of decry next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Employees peeked through a wrought-iron gate as former Noma head of fermentation Jason Ignacio White read a letter decrying Redzepi. —

Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026 The president spent more time decrying his Democratic predecessor, President Joe Biden, than Massie, though. —

Arkansas Online, 12 Mar. 2026 Democrats have decried the Missouri map as a power grab amid the national fight over mid-decade redistricting. —

Julia Mueller, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2026 Connecticut did not follow suit but, as did most major medical organizations, decried the change. —

Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry

Verb

The owners who were arrested were charged with felonies; however, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg later dismissed the case due to conflicts of interest.

— Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
As part of the plea agreement, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child — another third-degree felony — as well as a class-A misdemeanor charge of child abuse and a class-B misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief were dismissed.

— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 19 Mar. 2026