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 Driving the news: Last weekend, Musk elevated posts decrying USAID uses of money in his push to gut the agency. —

Neal Rothschild, Axios, 8 Feb. 2025 The doctors who would run the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health both decried common sense infection control during COVID. —

Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 7 Feb. 2025 Amy Fischer, Director of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Program at Amnesty International USA decried the use of Guantanamo to house the migrants. —

Tara Copp, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025 Amy Fischer, director of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Program at Amnesty International USA, decried the use of Guantanamo to house migrants. —

Tara Copp and Lolita C. Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for decry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry

Verb

Last month, federal prosecutors in Texas dismissed charges against a doctor accused of unlawfully sharing health records from a children's hospital there.

— Carrie Johnson, NPR, 18 Feb. 2025
In October, San Diego Superior Court Judge Aaron Katz dismissed the charge against Lor, ruling that the law requires the threat be specific toward the person allegedly threatened.

— City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025