decry
Speak out against
To decry something is to publicly denounce or condemn it: Consumer advocates decried the new fees as predatory.
The word implies vocal criticism, often of policies, practices, or trends the speaker finds harmful or unjust.
Decry carries more formal weight than simply criticizing—it suggests speaking out against something you believe others should oppose too.
Declare wrong or guilty
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- criticizeJudge unfavorably, vocally
- lambasteScold with ferocity
excoriate · castigate · rebuke · reproach · reprimand · upbraid · berate · chastise
condemn
Declare wrong or guilty
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- criticizeJudge unfavorably, vocally
lambaste · excoriate · castigate · rebuke · reproach · reprimand · upbraid · berate · chastise · admonish
belittle
To make something seem unimportant
devalue · discredit · defame · vilify · impugn · malign · traduce · detract · derogate · run down
lament
Mournful expression of grief
regret · mourn · grieve · protest · take issue with · oppose · disapprove · abhor · detest · loathe
- disapprovaldisapproval, scowl, disapprove, disapproves, frown
- disparagementdefame, denigrate, disparage, malign, slander
- scoldingscold, scolding, rebuke, berate, reprimand