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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 Updated Lawrence County schools absence policy draws backlash and prompts school system to clarify A July 17 post regarding the policy on the school system's Facebook account drew more than 600 comments, many of them decrying the policy. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 28 July 2025 Last October, Italy codified her long-standing opposition to surrogacy, outlawing the procedure abroad, a move decried by gay-rights advocates. Massimo Calabresi, Time, 24 July 2025 In the days leading up the sentencing hearing, many decried the agreement as a grave injustice, among them Goncalves’ father, Steve. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025 Meanwhile, Trump's current VP, JD Vance, joined him on the defensive on Thursday evening, decrying the most recent link between Trump and Epstein: a Wall Street Journal exclusive that revealed a lewd birthday message Trump allegedly wrote to his billionaire buddy. Meredith Kile, People.com, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for decry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry
Verb
  • At that point, if the case is not dismissed, then Murdoch's deposition will occur within 30 days.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The woman also filed a petition for an injunction in 2016, and the case was dismissed six months later.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2025
  • This can look like: Taking accountability for your actions or lack thereof without deflecting responsibility or minimizing its impact.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Arab states are now publicly condemning Hamas’ violence and calling for an end to its control of Gaza, a shift from their previous positions.
    Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Multiple Virginia Republicans, including Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, condemned the act of violence and offered their prayers for Vogler and his family.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • The Stars regularly raise prices on their services while diminishing their quality.
    Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Rather than opt for a two-year extension of the current lease, which has been criticized by some residents since it was signed in 1997, the Bengals and the county agreed on a new 11-year lease.
    Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The news comes as Timberlake finishes his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour, during which his recent performances had been criticized for being less lively than usual.
    Amber Brenza, Health, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Garza blamed this in part on the county’s failure to provide legal representation at bail hearings for defendants.
    Skye Seipp, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Trump has blamed India's high tariffs on imports for the trade deficit.
    Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decry. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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