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

Relevance

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 Banking associations celebrated the move while retailers decried it. —

Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 Charges spur free speech, DOJ weaponization concerns However, Democrats and First Amendment advocates decried the charges as politically-motivated and a threat to free speech. —

Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 After backing out of an agreement to trade first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 for Crosby, DeCosta was decried as dishonorable, dirty and duplicitous, especially after Baltimore signed another accomplished edge rusher, Trey Hendrickson, to a free-agent deal the following day. —

Michael Silver, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 Local officials, along with reputable arborists like McCullough, decry the tactics of some tree services that will go door-to-door in neighborhoods, trying to convince homeowners to chop down trees that could probably be saved. —

Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry

Verb

That lawsuit, along with a countersuit by the PGA Tour, was dismissed a year later.

— Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
There’s too much effort, too much time, and too much sincerity apparent behind this film to dismiss it outright.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026