anathematize

verb

ə-ˈna-thə-mə-ˌtīz How to pronounce anathematize (audio)
Definition of anathematizenext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
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 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
  1. curse
  2. denounce
  3. condemn
  4. criticize
  5. blame
Verb
  • How about the generations of NHL fans not living in Quebec who cursed the Montreal Canadiens?
    — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Supporters rallied again Friday outside Portland’s Moda Center, where trans activists interrupted speakers, cursed at reporters and confronted attendees.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of curse
Verb
  • Several celebrities and their PR teams have denounced Perez for his viscous public insults, from Khloe Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, and Lady Gaga, a former friend of Perez.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Both the Attorney General’s Office and the development group denounced the city’s demand for the payment of legal fees.
    — George Avalos, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of denounce
Verb
  • In a separate statement, FIFPRO, the body representing soccer players around the world, also condemned FIFA for pursuing its plan and demanded a set of governance reforms.
    — Rafael Nam, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Past collaborators and friends, including Natalie Portman, who had become the face of Dior fragrance, condemned him.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of condemn
Verb
  • McKenzie hasn’t shied away from criticizing celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Matt Damon who have made money hawking cryptocurrency companies in ads.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The powerful Florida Sheriff’s Association is the latest group to criticize the November ballot measure to roll back property taxes, joining what has been a drumbeat of opposition from law enforcement and first responder organizations.
    — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • Many blamed the incident on his government's progressive policies and publicly rallied for new border checks at sea, air and land ports of entry.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The site, known as Pecan Island, became available as part of a legal settlement that resolves dozens of lawsuits that blame ExxonMobil for pollution and coastal land loss, the newspaper reports.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of blame

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anathematize
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Cite this Entry

“Anathematize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anathematize. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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