# decry

/dɪˈkɹaɪ/ (US) · /dɪkɹˈaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/decry
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to say publicly that something is bad or wrong. You use it when people strongly criticize an idea, action, or plan.

For teachers: to publicly condemn or express strong disapproval of something. Often applied to policies, practices, or public statements.

## Examples

- Many parents decry violence in video games.
- The mayor decried the cuts to school funding at a press conference yesterday.
- Although critics decried the novel as bleak and joyless, later readers praised its honest portrait of grief and survival.

## Synonyms

denounce, condemn, criticize

## Antonyms

praise, endorse

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.