Definitions

decry

[dih-krahy] / dɪˈkraɪ /

VERB

criticize, blame

Synonyms

STRONGEST

belittle condemn denounce minimize

STRONG

abuse asperse calumniate censure defame depreciate derogate detract devalue diminish discount discredit disgrace disparage downgrade hit knock lower malign pan rap reprehend reprobate slam traduce underestimate underrate undervalue vilify

WEAK

bad-mouth cry down do a number on dump on mark down opprobriate poor-mouth put down rail against run down take swipe at throw stones at write off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve praise

STRONG

commend compliment esteem exaggerate exalt flatter honor increase laud overestimate overrate overvalue raise respect sanction

WEAK

applaud

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And those who decry people for asking for help when they have enough money to see them through retirement — on paper — are probably dealing with their own first-world problems every day.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Black activists decry a ‘Free Palestine’ mural as offensive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Decorating their soldiers with colourful garlands, hundreds of Afghans rallied in border provinces to decry Pakistan killing civilians and to show support for their troops battling at the frontier.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Malinche’s portrayal as a valiant Cortés enabler doesn’t seem to bother audiences, though some decry the work’s pro-Spanish take on the Conquest.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

Speaker after speaker continued to decry the government’s plans.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing decry

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This Week in Words: October 28 - November 2, 2018

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"The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry

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