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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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for denounce
Verb
  • Huckabee, an evangelical Christian who is normally strongly supportive of Israel, harshly condemned the attack.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
  • The Trump administration accused them of belonging to the Tren de Aragua street gang in a case condemned by rights groups.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Many airlines have long relied on aging computer systems, and the aviation industry has been criticized for failing to modernize swiftly.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 22 July 2025
  • McKinney ruffled some feathers by publicly criticizing former Giants’ defensive coordinator Wink Martindale in his final season with the Giants.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Maine state representative Laurel Libby had her speaking rights restored by fellow state lawmakers on Wednesday, five months after she was censured for a social media post that identified a trans athlete.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
  • Just days ago, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) again censured Iran for failing to comply with its nuclear nonproliferation obligations.
    Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Trump doubled down on his past criticism and blamed Biden for Powell remaining in the role.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The current president, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group, blamed it for unrest in the country and imprisoned many of its leaders.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • But by a 2-1 vote, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found Austin acted within his authority and faulted the military judge's ruling.
    MARK SHERMAN, arkansasonline.com, 12 July 2025
  • Critics, who’ve long dismissed the shoe rule as more security theater than actual security, have also faulted the policy for increasing wait times at security checkpoints at American airports.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The responding officer later reprimanded the woman for entering the vehicle to help the dog.
    Sydney Sasser July 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025
  • Some judges are known to reprimand attorneys who miss deadlines and even sanction them.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • This punishes exposure but doesn’t reward preparedness.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Świątek, 24, took an early lead in the competition, and continued at a punishing pace to secure a 6-0, 6-0 win in less than an hour of gameplay.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 12 July 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Denounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denounce. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on denounce

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