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

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

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing decry

Advanced English Words

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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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