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

De-Stalinization Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev denounced Stalin for his brutality and crimes in 1956 and images of Stalin would later be systematically removed as part of a de-Stalinization campaign. —Reuters, CNN Money, 23 May 2025

The move will likely escalate political tensions between the Trump administration and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Democrats in Congress denounced the federal government overruling an individual state's decision, along with Republicans rule-skirting legislative approach. —Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 23 May 2025

Analysts noted the posts denounced Israel, but did not call for violence against Jewish people. —Helena Skinner, ABC News, 23 May 2025

Police reform advocates denounced the move to walk away from the agreements, saying a lack of federal oversight will put communities at risk. —Steve Karnowski, Twin Cities, 22 May 2025

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

Rhymes for denounce

• announce
• pronounce
• renounce
• bounce
• flounce
• ounce
• pounce

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