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
• criticize
• diminish
• denigrate
• disparage
• denounce
• condemn
• derogate
• belittle
• deprecate
• discount
• dislike
• dump on
• run down
• write off
• talk down
• depreciate
• play down
• bad-mouth
• trash-talk
• scold
• cry down
• dis
• kiss off
• discredit
• trash
• poor-mouth
• put down
• vilipend
• abuse
• vilify
• disapprove (of)
• malign
• discommend
• slander
• censure
• disgrace
• defame
• rip
• traduce
• slur
• reprobate
• reprehend
• asperse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• applaud
• praise
• approve
• exalt
• extol
• glorify
• magnify
• endorse
• recommend
• laud
• favor
• sanction
• countenance
• commend
• acclaim
• 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
• ostracize
• chide
• knock
• pan
• berate
• scold
• slam
• abhor
• excommunicate
• admonish
• detest
• doom
• castigate
• upbraid
• loathe
• revile
• rake
• dispraise
• rebuke
• blast
• dis
• reprimand
• reproach
• blacklist
• vituperate
• lambaste
• reprove
• abominate
• curse
• imprecate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• endorse
• bless
• sanction
• praise
• applaud
• commend
• exalt
• extol
• glorify
• salute
• tout
• laud
• hail
• honor
• eulogize
• sanctify
• consecrate
• revere
• acclaim
• 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

Moreover, the No on 50 campaign ran ads with a clip of former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who championed the independent redistricting commissions, decrying the effort to roll them back. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025

Police Chief Johnny Jennings decried repeat criminal offenders and said Mecklenburg County again needs a detention facility for teenagers during a lunch in south Charlotte on Tuesday. —Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2025

Both Bhattacharya and the MAHA leader Calley Means have decried the groupthink infestation in our scientific institutions. —David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025

For decades, Chinese nationalists decried the inability of their leadership to stand up to other world powers. —Kerry Brown, Time, 31 Oct. 2025

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