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

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

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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 But as left-leaning Democrats and democratic socialists like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is Muslim, score wins in local and national races, Republicans have repeatedly decried the party’s progressive wing as communists devoid of religion. — Krysta Fauria, Fortune, 31 July 2026 The Austin Justice Coalition, a local community group, decried Williams’ killing and called for accountability. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 Some left-leaning critics have decried the test for focusing on the works of old, white men. — Chris Quintana, USA Today, 30 July 2026 As well as being Reilly’s champion and big-brother figure, Tony Wilson was a legendary hater who loudly decried his prize artist’s singing voice, including in the liner notes of his own reissue of Vini Reilly. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for decry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry

Verb

But by the time of his indictment, Lorch was in failing health and found incompetent to stand trial, and lawsuits against him and the church were dismissed due to statute of limitations issues.

— Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2026
The lawsuit was dismissed Monday without prejudice, meaning the case may be filed again.

— Riley Moser, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

Several celebrities and their PR teams have denounced Perez for his viscous public insults, from Khloe Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, and Lady Gaga, a former friend of Perez.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Both the Attorney General’s Office and the development group denounced the city’s demand for the payment of legal fees.

— George Avalos, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of denounce

Verb

Nailing her intricate double front pass, Blakely performed three front-tumbling passes to minimize wear on her ankles.

— Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Heavy-duty trucking focus The company expects the new service to help fleets lower diesel consumption, reduce operating costs, and minimize driver downtime through on-site fueling.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

In a separate statement, FIFPRO, the body representing soccer players around the world, also condemned FIFA for pursuing its plan and demanded a set of governance reforms.

— Rafael Nam, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
Past collaborators and friends, including Natalie Portman, who had become the face of Dior fragrance, condemned him.

— Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of condemn

Verb

Chief Critic Democratic Party consultant and former President Barack Obama’s ex-campaign adviser David Axelrod criticized the White House’s decision to use the old plane as a decoy with journalists on board.

— Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
The two lawmakers have intensely criticized Fauci over the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic for years, with Paul recently releasing diary entries penned by Fauci during the height of the pandemic.

— Joe Walsh, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of criticize

Verb

Craig has blamed Flanagan for a lack of oversight and accountability, allegations that Flanagan rejects.

— Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Leaders of the nonprofit hospital in Alabama’s capital blamed its collapse on financial pressures, including mounting debt, staffing shortages and Alabama’s refusal to expand Medicaid that would cover more of the state’s uninsured.

— Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of blame

Verb

Instead, the fresh requirements appeared to diminish prospects for a quick deal, despite optimism last week an agreement was near.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
But they’ve never been litigated — and the developments are already stoking fears of diminishing Fed independence as the central bank weighs whether to raise interest rates at its next meeting.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of diminish

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“Decry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decry. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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