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 Protesters have decried dilapidated schools, overcrowded classrooms, staff shortages and inequalities in the education system. — Ellen Francis, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026 But Humboldt County residents and officials decry the move as just the latest example of overregulation and government overreach in liberal California — and of the disconnect between its rural and urban places. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 One of the grid’s most astute late-nineteenth-century critics, the geologist John Wesley Powell, decried its environmental recklessness. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 For more than a decade, agents and analysts have decried the death of the movie star. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry

Verb

Tinubu was not criminally charged, and the case was dismissed with prejudice after the money was forfeited.

— Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
After a Washtenaw County Court judge dismissed the suit, Shriver refiled the FOIA case in Michigan’s Court of Claims last month.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

In her final interview of the season, Clark denounced the hateful messages Mitchell says she's received on social media and urged the soon-to-be free agent to stay with the Indiana Fever for one more season.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Jewish critics accused Mamdani of insulting victims and fueling antisemitism, while pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted a Manhattan vigil to denounce him for not doing enough to hold Israel accountable.

— Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of denounce

Verb

The Bonding Shampoo gently cleanses hair and scalp, while the Hair Bonding Treatment delivers a more intensive dose of the brand’s Peptide-132 complex to help strengthen damaged strands and minimize breakage and split ends.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
Federal wildlife managers euthanized 28,000 animals in California in 2025 and dispersed about 1 million more as part of a nationwide program meant to control invasive species and minimize danger to people, pets and livestock, new data shows.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of minimize

Verb

El Sayed has not publicly condemned Piker but has sought to distance himself from the influencer since winning the nomination.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
Heated protest and press conference At a heated press conference at the shooting scene Thursday night, several local politicians condemned the shooting.

— Philip Marcelo, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of condemn

Verb

But the Amazon and Blue Origin founder argues that some politicians are blaming the wrong culprit.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
Jason Jimenez said the county coroner’s death report found the cause of death to be cocaine toxicity and did not place blame on the officers.

— Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of blame

Verb

The National Weather Service said rainfall was diminishing in the area but that rapid river rises and flooding remained possible.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
The culture surrounding the use of alcohol has diminished in younger generations, at least anecdotally, Haddock said.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminish

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

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Synonyms of decry

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