Thesaurus

condemn

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: How do 'denounce' and 'condemn' relate to one another?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration. // a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of condemn

1 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 for condemn

Words Related to condemn

attack,
blame,
blast,
criticize,
dis
(also diss)
[slang],
dispraise,
fault,
knock,
pan,
slam

doom,
sentence

convict

curse,
imprecate

Near Antonyms for condemn

Antonyms for condemn

bless

2 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 for condemn

blame,
censure,
criticize,
denounce,
dis
(also diss)
[slang],
dispraise,
fault,
knock,
pan,
reprehend,
slag
[chiefly British]

Words Related to condemn

skewer,
tweak

Phrases Synonymous with condemn

Near Antonyms for condemn

Antonyms for condemn

extol
(also extoll),
laud,
praise

3 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 for condemn

Words Related to condemn

admonish,
chastise

castigate,
punish

Phrases Synonymous with condemn

Near Antonyms for condemn

Antonyms for condemn

4 to find or pronounce guilty

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

Synonyms for condemn

convict

Words Related to condemn

Near Antonyms for condemn

Antonyms for condemn

5 to impose a judicial punishment on

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

Synonyms for condemn

Words Related to condemn

adjudge,
judge

Near Antonyms for condemn

pardon,
reprieve

Frequently Asked Questions About condemn

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