decry crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "decry", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you through your puzzle.
Solutions for "decry crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PAN: To criticize severely, often informally.
4 Letters
RAIL: To express strong disapproval or criticism in a bitter or angry manner.
6 Letters
VILIFY: To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner.
7 Letters
CENSURE: To express severe disapproval of someone or something, often formally.
8 Letters
DENOUNCE: To publicly declare someone or something to be wrong or evil.
LAMBASTE: To criticize (someone or something) harshly.
9 Letters
CRITICIZE: To indicate the faults of someone or something in a disapproving way.
More About "decry crossword clue"
"Decry" is a word that frequently appears in crosswords, often pointing towards answers related to criticism, condemnation, or public disapproval. Its core meaning involves expressing strong disapproval of something or someone, usually openly. This makes it a versatile clue, as many synonyms fit its definition across various letter lengths, from short, sharp criticisms like 'PAN' to more formal or intense forms like 'DENOUNCE'.
When you encounter 'decry' in a crossword, consider the context and any other words in the clue. Is it asking for a verb meaning to openly criticize, or perhaps a noun representing an act of decrying? Paying attention to the part of speech implied by the clue can often narrow down your options. Common crossword setters love words like 'decry' because of their rich pool of synonyms that can be interchangeably used to fit different grid patterns.
Remember that crosswords often play on subtleties of meaning. While 'decry' broadly means to criticize, solutions like 'VILIFY' suggest a more malicious or slanderous form of criticism, whereas 'CENSURE' implies a more formal and official judgment. Always cross-reference with intersecting words to confirm your answer, ensuring the best fit for your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonyms Broadly: When a clue like "decry" appears, don't just stop at the first synonym that comes to mind. Brainstorm a wide range of words that mean to condemn, criticize, or disapprove, from casual to formal, mild to harsh.
- Check Letter Count First: Before you even think of specific words, use the number of available boxes in the grid. This immediately narrows down your potential answers significantly and helps you focus on words of the correct length.
- Utilize Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by seeing if its letters fit with the answers of intersecting clues. If even one letter doesn't match, your proposed answer is likely incorrect.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs/Idioms: Sometimes "decry" might be clued as part of a longer phrase or idiom. While less common for this specific word, always be open to answers that aren't single-word synonyms, especially in more complex puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'decry' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'decry' typically means to criticize, denounce, condemn, or express strong disapproval. Common answers often include synonyms like PAN, RAIL, CENSURE, or DENOUNCE.
How do I find synonyms for 'decry' when solving a crossword?
To find synonyms for 'decry,' consider words related to expressing disapproval, condemning, or speaking negatively about something. Think about the nuance of the clue – is it a strong public denouncement, or a more subtle criticism? Also, pay attention to the number of letters required.
Are there common tricky aspects of 'decry' clues?
One tricky aspect can be differentiating between synonyms based on their intensity or specific context. For example, 'PAN' is a less formal criticism than 'DENOUNCE'. Sometimes, the clue might use a less common synonym or a related idiom, so always consider all possible meanings and letter counts.