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 Hassane spoke at the afternoon news conference about the deadly attack at his institution this morning, decrying the conditions that could create such violence. —

Dennis Romero, NBC news, 19 May 2026 Ryan Crosswell, a former federal prosecutor, is also on the ballot and has decried the institutional support going to Brooks. —

Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 19 May 2026 At a time when the world seems more absurd than ever, the need has only grown for a deftly incisive voice with the courage to decry truthiness to power, regardless of consequences. —

Eric Deggans, NPR, 18 May 2026 Most speakers celebrated Christianity’s ties to American history, a blending of ideas that critics decried before the gathering as Christian nationalism. —

Tiffany Stanley, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for decry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry

Verb

In December, Rozier requested that the case be dismissed, arguing that the government had overstepped by charging him with fraud.

— Tom Winter, NBC news, 28 May 2026
During sentencing, Baskin dismissed the argument that the devices were used for purposes such as exploding targets and fireworks.

— Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2026