denounce

verb

de·nounce | \di-ˈnau̇n(t)s,

dē-\

denounced; denouncing

Definition of denounce

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

Other Words from denounce Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about denounce

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms & Antonyms for denounce

Synonyms

blame, censure, condemn, criticize, fault, knock, pan, reprehend

Antonyms

extol (also extoll), laud, praise

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

The books denounce evolution as untrue, for example, and one shows a cartoon of men and dinosaurs together, telling students the Biblical Noah likely brought baby dinosaurs onto his ark. — Leslie Postal, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Private schools' curriculum downplays slavery, says humans and dinosaurs lived together," 1 June 2018 Other lawmakers have joined with columnists, television commentators and other pundits in denouncing a direct threat to democracy. — Patrick J. Mcdonnell, latimes.com, "Slayings of political candidates accelerate in run-up to Mexico election," 27 June 2018 The announcement, though, also came just a day after the U.N. human rights chief denounced the Trump administration for separating migrant children from their parents. — Fox News, "FOX NEWS FIRST: Strzok escorted from FBI building, but still on payroll; Unruly Dems heckle Trump over immigration," 20 June 2018 The detention center was the site of a visit a day earlier by Sen. Kamala Harris, who was joined by hundreds of protesters there to denounce Trump’s immigration policy. — Lori Weisberg, sandiegouniontribune.com, "March against family separation at border turns confrontational," 23 June 2018 The group of activists were gathered in the street, partaking in the latest demonstration to denounce the killing of Clark, who was shot by police two weeks ago. — CBS News, "Sheriff's deputy's vehicle strikes activist protesting Stephon Clark's death," 2 Apr. 2018 Historians and advocates immediately denounced Trump's comments, saying such talk would encourage white nationalists. — Jesse J. Holland And Russell Contreras, chicagotribune.com, "Trump draws fierce criticism for saying immigration is 'changing the culture' of Europe for worse," 14 July 2018 Russia's Foreign Ministry is denouncing the United States' indictment of 12 alleged military intelligence agents accused of hacking into Democratic accounts in the 2016 US elections. — CBS News, "Russia dismisses indictment as attempt to "spoil" Trump-Putin meeting," 13 July 2018 There Trump publicly denounced Canada’s Justin Trudeau and Germany’s Angela Merkel, but urged that Putin be invited back to the group from which he was expelled for seizing Crimea. — Trudy Rubin, Philly.com, "NATO allies fear Trump will kick them, hug Putin | Trudy Rubin," 6 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'denounce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.