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
  • One social media post suggested Buckeyes staff members may have cursed at Riley’s wife and children, triggering the coach’s reaction directed toward Bjork.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The family had a different version of the incident, alleging that Lawhorn repeatedly cursed at Rusher.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of curse
Verb
  • Black’s lawyers have repeatedly denounced the Oversight Committee’s pursuit of the former head of a private equity firm as an abuse of congressional power.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Band member Hanni Pham nonetheless denounced ADOR for its treatment of her and her bandmates in a 2024 testimony to the Korean Parliament.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of denounce
Verb
  • On Thursday, Newsom took what can only be described as a courageous stand, a risky stand — commuting the death sentences of the 548 men and women condemned to die in California, and instead seeking to change their sentences to life without parole.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Viasna said that Parakhnevich, the parish priest in Alkovichy in northwestern Belarus, had openly opposed Russia’s war in Ukraine and condemned Belarus’ role in it, while calling for peace and repentance.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of condemn
Verb
  • Piker is staunchly opposed to Israel and has been criticized for his comments about Jewish Americans.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 3 Nov. 2026
  • He has also been criticized by some in the community for past remarks regarding a Michigan synagogue attack and for appearances with controversial streamer Hasan Piker.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • Surveys have repeatedly shown that Americans don't like the current clock changes, with lawmakers and physicians blaming the regular time shifts for drowsiness, inconveniences and even risks to health.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • And party insiders blame Trump’s tariffs and war with Iran for creating a volatile Senate map that has left seats in red states like Nebraska and Kansas vulnerable.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 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 Nov. 2026.

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