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

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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

Rather, he was fired from his job, is kept under house arrest, and is now being denounced by his colleagues. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "CRISPR Baby Scientist Comprehensively Denounced By Genetics Experts," 3 May 2019 The draft report was denounced by environmentalists, people who live near the plant and others, including members of The Puyallup Tribe. — Debbie Cockrell, The Seattle Times, "Liquefied natural gas project in Tacoma ‘will not cause significant adverse impact’ from greenhouse-gas emissions, new report says," 30 Mar. 2019 The decision on Monday, which was denounced by the Kremlin, is the first time the EU has imposed sanctions under its new chemical weapons response regime, which is part of a broader EU effort to stave off hybrid threats from Russia and beyond. — Laurence Norman, WSJ, "EU Approves Sanctions on Novichok Poisoning Suspects," 21 Jan. 2019 The ad, which was shared on Twitter on Thursday, was swiftly denounced by both Hill and Tucker, who are competing in Arkansas’s Second Congressional District. — P.r. Lockhart, Vox, "A radio ad invoked lynchings to court black voters. It did not go over well.," 19 Oct. 2018 Central Florida Expressway Authority proposals for a toll road in Bithlo and another in Split Oak Forest were staunchly denounced on Friday by residents and environmentalists. — Kevin Spear, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Central Florida toll roads proposed for Bithlo and Split Oak Forest draw public scorn," 29 June 2018 His proposal was denounced by his colleagues on the council, the county executive, prominent members of Harford’s agricultural community and advocates for land preservation. — David Anderson, The Aegis, "Harford council approves 22 properties for ag preservation," 25 June 2018 In its order, the Supreme Court did not explain its reasoning for the decision, which was quickly denounced by some victims and others who have anxiously awaited its release. — Philly.com, "Pa. Supreme Court blocks release of grand jury report into clergy sex abuse," 20 June 2018 It was denounced by Independent Greeks (ANEL), the nationalist party whose nine parliamentary votes prop up Mr Tsipras’s leftists; and by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, leader of New Democracy, Greece’s main opposition. — The Economist, "Meet a new country: “Northern Macedonia”," 14 June 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.