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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb denounce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of denounce are censure, condemn, criticize, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When would censure be a good substitute for denounce?

While the synonyms censure and denounce are close in meaning, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When can condemn be used instead of denounce?

While in some cases nearly identical to denounce, condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

Where would criticize be a reasonable alternative to denounce?

In some situations, the words criticize and denounce are roughly equivalent. However, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

When is reprehend a more appropriate choice than denounce?

Although the words reprehend and denounce have much in common, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

When might reprobate be a better fit than denounce?

The meanings of reprobate and denounce largely overlap; however, reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for denounce
Verb
  • Dem lawmaker condemns Trump admin after staff member ends up in handcuffs.
    , FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned the university’s decision to ban Vemuri from the ceremony.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, Lively was freshly criticized for her reaction to an interviewer in a resurfaced 2016 clip.
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • The document was quickly criticized for errors and citing studies that don’t exist, as first reported by NOTUS, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news site.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • This country has not only failed to censure Israel for its actions, but any demonstrations against them are deemed to be antisemitic and are condemned.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
  • The high court granted the request for emergency relief sought by Laurel Libby, who represents House District 90 and was censured by her colleagues for a social media post that criticized the state for allowing transgender athletes at public high schools to compete in girls sports.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • India blamed Pakistan for the attack, an accusation rejected by Islamabad.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
  • With a robotaxi, there will be no in-vehicle driver to blame for crashes.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • In April, the group Artists for Chicago sent a letter to Johnson signed by more than 200 arts and culture workers further faulting Hedspeth’s leadership.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • Central sharpness is excellent at f/1.4, while the edges of the frame can’t be faulted either, which is incredible news for astrophotographers.
    James Abbott, Space.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • In 2022, he was reprimanded for oxycodone trafficking.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
  • The Supreme Court on Monday said Broward County Judge Mardi Levey Cohen will be reprimanded June 3 as part of discipline that also includes a 10-day suspension without pay.
    News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The penalty is a mere $200 fine, and members have not been punished for said violations.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025
  • The United States halted a punishing bombing campaign against the Houthis this month, saying the rebels had pledged to stop attacking ships.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Denounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denounce. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on denounce

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