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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb denounce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of denounce are censure, condemn, criticize, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When would censure be a good substitute for denounce?

While the synonyms censure and denounce are close in meaning, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When can condemn be used instead of denounce?

While in some cases nearly identical to denounce, condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

Where would criticize be a reasonable alternative to denounce?

In some situations, the words criticize and denounce are roughly equivalent. However, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

When is reprehend a more appropriate choice than denounce?

Although the words reprehend and denounce have much in common, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

When might reprobate be a better fit than denounce?

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

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

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 denounce Earle-Sears repeatedly pressured Spanberger to call on Jones to exit the attorney general race, but the Democratic candidate only denounced Jones and said voters should use their judgment on who to support. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025 However, the 28-year-old artist took to Instagram denouncing the fraudulent claim. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 15 Oct. 2025 According to the Daily Mail, the Duchess of York — who divorced Prince Andrew in 1996 — reached out to Epstein in 2011 after publicly denouncing their friendship during an interview with the Evening Standard. Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Both Wu and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey have denounced the recent street takeovers. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for denounce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denounce
Verb
  • This comes almost a year after Maccabi supporters were beaten and injured in violent clashes in Amsterdam ahead of a Europa League game against Ajax, which Dutch authorities condemned as antisemitic.
    Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Minnesota Vikings condemned the vile racist message defensive back Isaiah Rodgers received following the team’s 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The prince was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein's victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Andrew was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein’s victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The City Council was scheduled to decide at tonight’s meeting on whether to censure Chua – or formally express their disapproval of her actions.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
  • This could include sanctioning, censuring or suspending a judge, or recommending a judge be removed from office.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But some Republicans blamed Newsom for the freeway closure, calling it an over-reaction.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Now, blaming the shutdown, the Education Department is trying to lay off an additional 465 people, cutting deeply into multiple offices.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Wrexham could not be faulted for attacking intent.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • There is little to fault with .
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Parents’ ongoing protest of teacher removal Rupert has received an outpouring of support since she was reprimanded and transferred to Isador Cohen Elementary for pulling up old carpet in her classroom.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • When conversation veers into controversial territory, Gott suggests redirecting rather than reprimanding.
    Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The tales explore how the people/rats/cats who inhabit the house are driven by selfish desires — and how they are subsequently rewarded or punished by a twist of fate.
    Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The crude oil imports flow through the Druzhba pipeline, which has been repeatedly attacked this summer by Ukrainian drones, in an effort by Kyiv to punish its neighbors for helping to fund Moscow’s war.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Denounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denounce. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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