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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The Cubs lost 8-6 and the cheers turned to jeers and swears as relief pitcher Jacob Webb cursed his own performance after the game.
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As the inscription had been damaged, researchers couldn’t decipher whether this tablet had cursed four slaves or whether four slaves had cried out to the Egyptian gods and demi-heroes, who knows?
Verb
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Other Ukrainian officials denounced Poland’s move.
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Crowds have gathered around it in protest and in praise to denounce American wars, and hear great voices sing and speak.
Verb
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The Department of Licenses and Inspections responded to the scene and condemned the house, which sustained considerable damage.
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While Washington blamed Iran and condemned the attack, Gulf states were left with lingering questions about the extent of American willingness to confront Tehran on their behalf.
Verb
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Cooper Freeman, Alaska director at the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, sharply criticized the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death.
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Plenty of those who populate that category are championed instead of criticized.
Verb
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Trump blames vandalism for the troubles with the reflecting pool renovation, announces people are being arrested.
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The logic here is highly questionable — dying for your queen and dying by her hand are not equivalent sacrifices — but let’s blame Lorent’s lapse in judgment on the chaos of the moment.
Cite this Entry
“Anathematize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anathematize. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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