denounce

1 of 2

verb

de·​nounce di-ˈnau̇n(t)s 

dē-

denounced; denouncing

transitive verb

1

: to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or bad

called on the group to denounce violence

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

denouncer

2 of 2

noun

de·​nounc·​er

-sə(r)

plural -s

: one that denounces

Synonyms of denounce

Verb

• condemn
• criticize
• blame

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

Verb

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

Verb

Many fans sympathized with Clarkson’s shopping experience and took to social media to denounce the actions taken by the shop. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

If the main predictor of racial disparities in prison is poverty, then denouncing police and prosecutors as racist won't shrink those gaps. — Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray said in a statement the paper was relieved that Levine received medical care and is safe, but denounced the violence against her. — Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026

Press freedom groups and opposition parties, however, denounced the move against Halk TV, calling it yet another step by the government to silence opposition voices. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English denouncen "to communicate, announce, declare blameworthy," borrowed from Anglo-French denuncier "to proclaim, make known," borrowed from Latin dēnūntiāre "to give notice of, enjoin," from dē- de- + nūntiāre "to bring word of, announce" — more at announce

First Known Use

Verb

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