denounce

verb

de·​nounce di-ˈnau̇n(t)s How to pronounce denounce (audio)
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
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 noun
denouncer noun
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
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.
Both Democrats and Republicans have denounced the chat messages and called for those responsible to step down from party positions. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025 However, the 28-year-old artist took to Instagram denouncing the fraudulent claim. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Musk would become a vocal supporter of the AfD—to the point where he was denounced for electoral interference by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025 According to the Daily Mail, the Duchess of York — who divorced Prince Andrew in 1996 — reached out to Epstein in 2011 after publicly denouncing their friendship during an interview with the Evening Standard. Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for denounce

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of denounce was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Denounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denounce. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

denounce

verb
de·​nounce di-ˈnau̇n(t)s How to pronounce denounce (audio)
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 noun
denouncer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on denounce

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