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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Hour after hour, hosts and guests decry the Democratic Party and denounce socialism. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026 France’s top film financier on Tuesday decried a cut by the the European Commission to the AgoraEU program just as YouTube and other social media platforms dramatically increase their share of screen time for Europeans. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 The market has taken recent Fedspeak to suggest very low chances of an October rate hike, even though Warsh himself has decried forward guidance and said the Fed shouldn't suppress normal market volatility. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026 Yet its cities are mired in chaos and flames as protesters decry the lack of government funding for education. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry

Verb

State officials dismissed the allegation as speculation but explicitly warned the Authority not to pay higher rates for work assigned to those $35-an-hour positions.

— Julie Watts, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
Insurance agent Ken McFeeters filed a lawsuit challenging the senator’s eligibility based on residency requirements, but the lawsuit was dismissed.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

Black’s lawyers have repeatedly denounced the Oversight Committee’s pursuit of the former head of a private equity firm as an abuse of congressional power.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Band member Hanni Pham nonetheless denounced ADOR for its treatment of her and her bandmates in a 2024 testimony to the Korean Parliament.

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of denounce

Verb

The seat is opening up because of Daines’s retirement, who chose not to run for a third term minutes before the March filing deadline to minimize the risk that Alme would attract a major challenger.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
Washington and European capitals are now trying to minimize their exposure.

— Tom Moerenhout, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

On Thursday, Newsom took what can only be described as a courageous stand, a risky stand — commuting the death sentences of the 548 men and women condemned to die in California, and instead seeking to change their sentences to life without parole.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Viasna said that Parakhnevich, the parish priest in Alkovichy in northwestern Belarus, had openly opposed Russia’s war in Ukraine and condemned Belarus’ role in it, while calling for peace and repentance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of condemn

Verb

Piker is staunchly opposed to Israel and has been criticized for his comments about Jewish Americans.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 3 Nov. 2026
He has also been criticized by some in the community for past remarks regarding a Michigan synagogue attack and for appearances with controversial streamer Hasan Piker.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of criticize

Verb

Surveys have repeatedly shown that Americans don't like the current clock changes, with lawmakers and physicians blaming the regular time shifts for drowsiness, inconveniences and even risks to health.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
And party insiders blame Trump’s tariffs and war with Iran for creating a volatile Senate map that has left seats in red states like Nebraska and Kansas vulnerable.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of blame

Verb

Except in the extreme, legislators are loath to devalue local autonomy while also prioritizing delivery of state aid to diminish local tax burdens.

— David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
While rain chances will diminish, clouds will hang tough through much of the day, and northeast winds will pick up slightly to 5 to 10 mph.

— Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminish

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“Decry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decry. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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