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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 At a Cabinet meeting last month, Trump decried early voting and mail voting. arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025 The Trump administration has called for a national AI Action Plan to guide America's burgeoning AI industry, and OpenAI was happy to use that as an opportunity to decry the negative effect of copyright enforcement on AI development. Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025 Today, Lewis is a member of the Jews Against Gassing Coalition, a New Orleans-area group decrying the state’s efforts to use nitrogen gas to execute death row inmates because, members say, such a method echoes the Holocaust, when 6 million Jews were murdered by Nazi Germany. Dakin Andone, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 The state funding won’t cover pedestrian or bicycle paths or additional work the district says is needed to improve the nearby intersection of Eckert Road and Boise Avenue that nearby residents have long decried as unsafe. Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decry
Verb
  • In the leadup to the settlement, Judge Frederick Chung denied the county’s motion to dismiss the case at the summary judgment phase that determines whether a lawsuit proceeds to trial.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Even when your partner makes an effort to reconnect — through a joke, a kind gesture or an apology — your mind may dismiss it, keeping you stuck in the negative experience.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Such programs help ensure that employees behave ethically and minimize disruptions to business operations—an attractive feature for building and maintaining intercompany relationships.
    Robert Anello, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Regular use helps to minimize the appearance of pores, reduce dryness, and create a smoother, more polished look.3 8.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • President Donald Trump in his election campaign condemned student protests against Israel's military action in Gaza, which followed the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Immediately, a slew of over 400 A-list Hollywood power players condemned such an action.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Overcoming The Fear Of Letting Go One of the biggest reasons leaders avoid delegating is fear that the work will not be done right, mistakes will happen or their value will be diminished.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In a 1907 essay, the writer Ito Sakon criticized the idea of escaping the hot urban summer, instead presenting the heat as an opportunity for self-improvement.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Many people — including celebrity moms like Allison Kuch and fellow SYTYCD alum Witney Carson — have taken to the brand's Instagram comments section to criticize Happiest Baby.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza blamed the Israeli military, which denied targeting the compound.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The guidance came after several GOP lawmaker town halls went viral for protests and complaints about the Trump administration, which Republicans have blamed on Democratic activists.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Decry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decry. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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