denounce

verb

de·​nounce di-ˈnau̇n(t)s 

dē-

denounced; denouncing

transitive verb

1

: to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil

they denounced him as a bigot

Others might cry or get bent out of shape when their personal tastes are denounced and ridiculed, but not him …

—David Sedaris

2

archaic

a

: proclaim

b

: to announce threateningly

3

: to inform (see inform sense intransitive 1) against : accuse

was denounced to the authorities

4

obsolete : portend

5

: to announce formally the termination of (something, such as a treaty)

denounced the arrangement with their former ally

denouncement

di-ˈnau̇n(t)-smənt 

dē-

noun

denouncer noun

Synonyms

• anathematize
• censure
• condemn
• damn
• decry
• execrate
• reprehend
• reprobate

Choose the Right Synonym for denounce

criticize, reprehend, censure, reprobate, condemn, denounce mean to find fault with openly.

criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

Examples of denounce in a Sentence

The government called on the group to denounce the use of violence.

The film was denounced for the way it portrayed its female characters.

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement Tenant advocates and some residents of Hillside Villa denounced the deal, saying many cannot afford to pay. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024

Israel’s military offensive in response has killed over 32,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and destroyed much of the territory, which speaker after speaker denounced Thursday. —Edith M. Lederer, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024

On Wednesday, Omar questioned Shafik about protests on campus during a congressional hearing in which Shafik strongly denounced antisemitism. —Melissa Chan, NBC News, 18 Apr. 2024

Other social media users, however, denounced USC's decision and said Tabassum should be able to speak freely. —Ayana Archie, NPR, 16 Apr. 2024

Left-leaning lawmakers denounced previous versions of the tax break as overly friendly to corporate interests. —Mihir Zaveri, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024

The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Idaho, which is representing two families that challenged the law, denounced the Supreme Court's order in a statement. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2024

Arizona Republicans have been leaderless and divided in recent years, more interested in denouncing any Republican who dares win a statewide election than in formulating a clear message. —The Editors, National Review, 11 Apr. 2024

Following Monday’s veto, a group that goes by the Sound Money Defense League and advocates for public investments in gold and silver, denounced the governor’s decision. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French denuncier to proclaim, from Latin denuntiare, from de- + nuntiare to report — more at announce

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

denounce

verb

de·​nounce di-ˈnau̇n(t)s 

denounced; denouncing

1

: to point out as deserving blame or punishment

2

: to inform against : accuse

3

: to announce formally the ending of (as a treaty)

denouncement

-mənt 

noun

denouncer noun