denounce

verb

de·​nounce di-ˈnau̇n(t)s 

dē-

denounced; denouncing

transitive verb

1

: to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or bad

called on the group to denounce violence

They denounced him as a bigot.

Others might cry or get bent out of shape when their personal tastes are denounced and ridiculed, but not him …

—David Sedaris

2

archaic

a

: proclaim

b

: to announce threateningly

3

: to inform (see inform sense intransitive 1) against : accuse

was denounced to the authorities

4

obsolete : portend

5

: to announce formally the termination of (something, such as a treaty)

denounced the arrangement with their former ally

denouncement

di-ˈnau̇n(t)-smənt 

dē-

noun

denouncer noun

Synonyms of denounce

• condemn
• criticize
• blame

Choose the Right Synonym for denounce

criticize, reprehend, censure, reprobate, condemn, denounce mean to find fault with openly.

criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

Examples of denounce in a Sentence

The government called on the group to denounce the use of violence.

The film was denounced for the way it portrayed its female characters.

Recent Examples on the Web

In his community, Bustamante likened it to denouncing Catholicism and removing photos of the pope. —ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026

Instead, some progressive allies rushed to denounce Israel’s military response while either praising or refusing to condemn Hamas. —Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

In an interview with public radio station France Inter on Monday morning, Bagayoko said he was disappointed that the presidential palace had not condemned the comments, although Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Culture Minister Catherine Pégard both denounced them. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026

Outside the courthouse in Manhattan, small groups of supporters have denounced the trial as illegitimate. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English denouncen "to communicate, announce, declare blameworthy," borrowed from Anglo-French denuncier "to proclaim, make known," borrowed from Latin dēnūntiāre "to give notice of, enjoin," from dē- de- + nūntiāre "to bring word of, announce" — more at announce

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for denounce

• announce
• pronounce
• renounce
• bounce
• flounce
• ounce
• pounce

Kids Definition

denounce

verb

de·​nounce di-ˈnau̇n(t)s 

denounced; denouncing

1

: to point out as deserving blame or punishment

2

: to inform against : accuse

3

: to announce formally the ending of (as a treaty)

denouncement

-mənt 

noun

denouncer noun