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 Both blog posts have comments decrying Sony’s announcements and their implications for ownership and long-term access to PlayStation games. —

Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026 No sooner had the Supreme Court issued its opinion in a big campaign-finance case yesterday than my inbox began filling up with nongovernmental organizations and Democratic leaders decrying the ruling. —

David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 As police release the video, Wallace's mother is decrying what happened to her son. —

Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Civil rights advocates have decried the killings of protesters as an overreach of law enforcement. —

Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for decry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry

Verb

In April, the Superior Court dismissed the three citations Hubbard received in May 2025 when no park ranger or city attorney appeared for the prosecution, his lawsuit states.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Freeney did not dismiss the business side of the arrangement.

— Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

Activists and faith leaders denounced the conditions at the office during a press conference the previous day, calling on officials to visit the facility and said there had been bad conditions at the facility for weeks.

— Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Prosecutors call Hearn’s actions a deliberate, violent act causing more than $1,000 in damage, and his attorneys denounce the case as an alarming misuse of government power.

— Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of denounce

Verb

To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2026
Keep all windows and doors closed so your pet cannot easily escape, and draw the shades to minimize the sound and flashes of light.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

Eight of the primary winners who condemned the Gaza conflict were backed by American Priorities, a new pro-Palestinian super PAC supporting candidates who have been critical of Israel’s military actions.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
Lot is often described in the Qurʾān, and in subsequent interpretive traditions, in the role of condemning the men of Sodom for lusting after men rather than women.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026

Definition of condemn

Verb

The program posed a massive political problem for Mamdani, who’s been criticized by both his allies and opponents for his stance.

— Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 30 June 2026
While state studies have criticized the state’s education governance model, voters have rejected at least four attempts dating back to 1928 to reform the position.

— Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of criticize

Verb

Before the earthquakes, the government generally defended its national health system as robust, blaming shortcomings on sanctions imposed by the United States.

— Max Saltman, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
This ruling compels companies to confront systemic biases embedded in their hiring data, rather than solely blaming technology.

— Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of blame

Verb

Historically, after that period, the chances of survival without a water source diminish rapidly.

— Anabella González, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to insufficient or poor sleep, compromising the immune system, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease and diminishing cognitive performance.

— Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026