1
as in to curse
to ask a divine power to send harm or evil upon
heretics anathematized by the church leaders
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2
as in to denounce
to declare to be morally wrong or evil
fundamentalist preachers who anathematize any departure from a literal interpretation of the Bible
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Recent Examples of anathematize
In a democracy, the question of what to do about climate change and for that matter the decision to anathematize entire sectors of the economy ought to be matters for voters not moneymen.
—
Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 9 Dec. 2020
Still, some people now reflexively anathematize this brilliant novel because its self-justifying, unreliable narrator is a pedophile.
—Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2020
The most serious native challenge to liberalism, made by the slaveholding oligarchy of the Old South, was crushed on the battlefield, and, despite the efforts of an ever-dwindling number of apologists, morally anathematized.
—Park MacDougald, Daily Intelligencer, 27 Feb. 2018
And if anyone shall be led by his cupidity or arrogance to break this truce, by the authority of God and with the sanction of this Council he shall be anathematized.
—James Carroll, The New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2017
In some ways, the grotesqueries of his persona, rather than anathematizing him to voters, only enhanced his appeal among those wishing for something different.
—Jamelle Bouie, Slate Magazine, 24 Jan. 2017
Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 9 Dec. 2020
Still, some people now reflexively anathematize this brilliant novel because its self-justifying, unreliable narrator is a pedophile.
—Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2020
The most serious native challenge to liberalism, made by the slaveholding oligarchy of the Old South, was crushed on the battlefield, and, despite the efforts of an ever-dwindling number of apologists, morally anathematized.
—Park MacDougald, Daily Intelligencer, 27 Feb. 2018
And if anyone shall be led by his cupidity or arrogance to break this truce, by the authority of God and with the sanction of this Council he shall be anathematized.
—James Carroll, The New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2017
In some ways, the grotesqueries of his persona, rather than anathematizing him to voters, only enhanced his appeal among those wishing for something different.
—Jamelle Bouie, Slate Magazine, 24 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anathematize
Verb
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Victim-3 attempted to push Bazrouk away and cursed at him.—
Rachel Wolf , Maria Paronich,
FOXNews.com,
28 Oct. 2025
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Halloween 5 presents more supernatural elements than previous Halloween films, with Jamie having a telepathic connection to her murderous uncle, and Michael being cursed and controlled by a cult to kill his family members.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, also apologized to Epstein for publicly denouncing him.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
24 Oct. 2025
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It was deployed there in April last year for drills, but Washington and Manila later decided to extend the deployment indefinitely—a move denounced by Beijing.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The infamous two-part operation, which killed more than 40 people and injured another 3,400, was condemned by Lebanon, the United Nations and human rights NGOs, but also intrigued the world for its ingenuity.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
28 Oct. 2025
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The American Jewish Committee, one of the country’s most influential Jewish advocacy groups, took the unusual step of issuing a formal statement condemning Mamdani’s language.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In recent months, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has repeatedly criticized Tucker Carlson.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
27 Oct. 2025
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Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canada on Saturday over a TV ad featuring footage of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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If a new medication is to blame, switching drugs can sometimes help.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
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Gabriel may not be blamed for Cleveland's offensive struggles, but the Browns will have to explore what Sanders can bring to the field if Gabriel can't showcase more of an arm.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anathematize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anathematize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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