Synonyms of condemn

condemn

verb

kən-ˈdem 

1

as in to denounce

to declare to be morally wrong or evil

it is a sign of human progress that slavery, which was once legal in many places, is now universally condemned

Synonyms & Similar Words

• denounce
• criticize
• blame
• decry
• attack
• censure
• anathematize
• reprehend
• fault
• damn
• execrate
• disparage
• sentence
• convict
• reprobate
• belittle
• hate
• excommunicate
• ostracize
• deprecate
• chastise
• admonish
• pan
• scold
• chide
• knock
• berate
• doom
• slam
• upbraid
• dispraise
• rebuke
• abhor
• detest
• castigate
• revile
• loathe
• blacklist
• blast
• rake
• reprimand
• reproach
• reprove
• dis
• vituperate
• imprecate
• abominate
• lambaste
• curse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• endorse
• bless
• sanction
• commend
• praise
• applaud
• glorify
• exalt
• extol
• salute
• honor
• laud
• hail
• tout
• sanctify
• consecrate
• eulogize
• revere
• acclaim
• venerate
• hallow

2

as in to criticize

to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of

a report that condemns the working conditions in the factories of many developing countries

Synonyms & Similar Words

• criticize
• blame
• denounce
• fault
• knock
• attack
• deplore
• censure
• tweak
• slam
• find fault (with)
• pan
• complain
• slag
• dispraise
• slash
• reprehend
• lash
• kick
• admonish
• dis
• come down hard (on)
• blast
• assail
• take to task
• scold
• chide
• crucify
• murmur
• decry
• mutter
• berate
• whine
• grumble
• upbraid
• disparage
• clobber
• deride
• moan
• rebuke
• excoriate
• nick (at)
• cavil
• bitch
• reprimand
• skewer
• beef
• belittle
• snipe (at)
• castigate
• reprove
• growl
• quibble
• reproach
• grouse
• gripe
• flay
• carp
• bellyache
• bad-mouth
• kvetch
• crab
• pillory
• lambaste
• croak
• hammer
• keelhaul
• drub
• discommend
• fuss
• niggle
• gibbet
• put down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• praise
• recommend
• endorse
• commend
• extol
• laud
• sanction

3

as in to censure

to express public or formal disapproval of

the philosopher's works were once condemned by the church and placed on its list of forbidden books

Synonyms & Similar Words

• denounce
• censure
• punish
• reprimand
• criticize
• scold
• admonish
• rebuke
• reprove
• reproach
• call to account
• chastise
• objurgate
• bring to account
• berate
• upbraid
• disparage
• rail (at or against)
• castigate
• rag
• cut up
• belittle
• jaw
• lecture
• deprecate
• flay
• chew out
• tell off
• depreciate
• bawl out
• dress down
• keelhaul
• lambaste
• rate
• gibbet
• score

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• endorse
• commend
• cite
• honor
• applaud
• approve
• praise
• hail
• sanction
• bless
• laud
• eulogize
• acclaim

4

as in to convict

to find or pronounce guilty

the accused was condemned by the news media even before the trial began

Synonyms & Similar Words

• convict
• denounce
• accuse
• sentence
• indict
• punish
• impeach
• charge
• chastise
• rebuke
• admonish
• censure
• penalize
• arraign
• reproach
• reprimand
• damn
• reprove
• castigate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• vindicate
• acquit
• endorse
• clear
• absolve
• commend
• cite
• approve
• exonerate
• exculpate
• bless
• sanction

5

as in to sentence

to impose a judicial punishment on

a stern judge who does not hesitate to condemn a felon to life behind bars

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sentence
• punish
• doom
• damn
• penalize
• adjudge
• judge
• chastise
• find
• censure
• discipline
• correct
• decree
• castigate
• rule
• resolve
• opine
• chasten
• decide
• determine
• conclude

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pardon
• reprieve

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb condemn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of condemn are censure, criticize, denounce, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

In what contexts can censure take the place of condemn?

The synonyms censure and condemn are sometimes interchangeable, but censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

Where would criticize be a reasonable alternative to condemn?

The words criticize and condemn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How do denounce and condemn relate to one another?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When could reprehend be used to replace condemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to condemn, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

When is it sensible to use reprobate instead of condemn?

The meanings of reprobate and condemn largely overlap; however, reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of condemn

Either way, the Haitian government tally is lower than the 47 deaths reported by some media in the immediate aftermath or by the United Nations, whose Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement on Tuesday condemned the violence. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Organizers said the goal of the event was not only to condemn hate, but also to reinforce a sense of community and belonging for residents across Metro Detroit. — Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Mariah wrote in her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, that her mother, who was white, was condemned by her mother (Mariah’s grandmother) for marrying a Black man. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Rights groups condemned the executions and questioned the trials. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026