DENOUNCE Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

denounce

verb

di-ˈnau̇n(t)s

Definition of denounce next

as in to condemn

to declare to be morally wrong or evil the church council denounced the bishop's teachings, officially declaring them to be heresy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to criticize

to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of denounced the shoddy merchandise that the local shops were foisting on tourists

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to censure

to express public or formal disapproval of the governor has denounced the court's decision and vows to press for a constitutional amendment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for denounce

Verb

Islam condemns all forms of violence and upholds the sanctity of life.

Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025
As unhappy as many Europeans are about the economy and other issues, the vast majority respect democracy’s prerogatives and condemn its detractors.

Paul Hockenos, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025

Definition of condemn

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.