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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.

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

The conglomerates will decry government overreach and point to their investments in content and job creation.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 12, 2025

In the morning, with the fog still hanging heavy over the empty streets blocking out the sun, the mayor and other elected officials came to decry the violence.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2025

However, all writers about them, from Romans to modern zookeepers, decry their irascible temper and their nasty habit of biting people.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.