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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 The families of some of the detainees have also decried conditions in the facility, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials defend it as offering higher detention standards than many US prisons. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 12 July 2025 In both his monologue and a musical segment on the July 21 episode, Colbert mourned the loss of The Late Show, poked the orange bear that is Donald Trump, and decried his corporate overlords as his in-studio audience cheered, guffawed, and chanted his name multiple times. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 July 2025 That memo sparked an outcry from Trump’s base of supporters, who criticized the DOJ’s about-face and called for Bondi’s resignation, even as Trump decried the public interest in the Epstein case and denounced his supporters who continued to promote it. Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 Trump specifically decried Brazil’s treatment of Bolsonaro, who is facing trial over his role in an alleged coup to overturn his 2022 reelection loss. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for decry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry
Verb
  • The felony charges were dismissed with prejudice, meaning they can't be refiled.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • The felony charges against two CityBeat journalists, who were arrested while covering a protest on the John A. Roebling Bridge, have been dismissed.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Here are tips on how to stay 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, 19 July 2025
  • Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Huckabee, an evangelical Christian who is normally strongly supportive of Israel, harshly condemned the attack.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
  • The Trump administration accused them of belonging to the Tren de Aragua street gang in a case condemned by rights groups.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Many airlines have long relied on aging computer systems, and the aviation industry has been criticized for failing to modernize swiftly.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 22 July 2025
  • McKinney ruffled some feathers by publicly criticizing former Giants’ defensive coordinator Wink Martindale in his final season with the Giants.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Since assuming office, Carr has frequently argued that the FCC has a stake in ensuring that local stations maintain community trust, and also that the national networks are to blame for a decline in trust.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 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 3 Aug. 2025.

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