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

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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

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 Local leaders gathered Monday and decried the shocking killings that have left a community shaken. —

Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026 Many of those who were at the facility on Saturday returned to the Capitol on Monday to decry law enforcement’s reaction. —

Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 Many of those who were at the facility on Saturday returned to the Capitol on Monday to decry law enforcement's reaction. —

CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026 But the fiscally moderate governor generally has decried such accounting maneuvers, urging lawmakers to make tough choices to keep spending within the budget and under cap limits. —

Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 17 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