denounce

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

Synonyms of denounce

• 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

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

Following her retirement, Bardot became known as an outspoken activist for animal rights and for voicing strong, controversial opinions — such as denouncing the #MeToo movement in 2018. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Dec. 2025

Factions denounced each other as unpatriotic and evil. —Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 3 Dec. 2025

Warren denounced the staff reductions and field office limitations on X, echoing many other Americans’ concerns. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025

The Venezuelan opposition has denounced that these supporters of the government have participated in crimes against humanity since 2014 to persecute and violently repress protests by government critics. —Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

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