condemn

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as in to sentence
to impose a judicial punishment on a stern judge who does not hesitate to condemn a felon to life behind bars

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

How do denounce and condemn relate to one another?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

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

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

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 condemn The city’s mayoral candidates, including Cuomo and Mamdani, condemned the incident and thanked the first responders and NYPD for their efforts. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 30 July 2025 Environmental activists immediately condemned the announcement. Valerie Volcovici, USA Today, 29 July 2025 The horse carriage industry has long been a source of controversy in New York, with animal rights activists condemning the practice as inhumane, while TWU and other supporters of workers say banning it would destroy livelihoods. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 28 July 2025 Huckabee, an evangelical Christian who is normally strongly supportive of Israel, harshly condemned the attack. Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for condemn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condemn
Verb
  • Rather than opt for a two-year extension of the current lease, which has been criticized by some residents since it was signed in 1997, the Bengals and the county agreed on a new 11-year lease.
    Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The news comes as Timberlake finishes his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour, during which his recent performances had been criticized for being less lively than usual.
    Amber Brenza, Health, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Ryan Widmer, convicted of murder in the 2008 drowning of his wife, will have a parole hearing July 30.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
  • Erik Menendez, one of two Beverly Hills brothers convicted of killing their parents decades ago, has been hospitalized, according to media reports.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March and sentenced to 18 months in jail.
    REUTERS, USA Today, 31 July 2025
  • Widmer was convicted of murder at his third trial in 2011, and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Trump has blamed India's high tariffs on imports for the trade deficit.
    Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 30 July 2025
  • Since assuming office, Carr has frequently argued that the FCC has a stake in ensuring that local stations maintain community trust, and also that the national networks are to blame for a decline in trust.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Behind the scenes of the Laurel Libby censure The past controversy involving the Greely High School athlete had a wide-ranging ripple effect on the state's congress.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2025
  • But its uranium enrichment has reached near weapons-grade levels, and on Thursday, the U.N.'s atomic watchdog censured Iran for not complying with obligations meant to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • The judges faulted Madrigal for making dessert tamales, a deviation from the theme.
    Ethan Wolin Updated July 29, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2025
  • Then in the antebellum years there were the mill owners who bought cotton; they’re faulted for facilitating the slave system.
    Brian T. Allen, National Review, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • The 22-year-old Shelton was utterly dominant in his first two matches of the tournament, punishing opponents with blistering serves and thunderous ground strokes.
    Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025
  • The Boston Federal Reserve is already testing CBDC programs, and the examples of abuse are everywhere: China's social credit system, which punishes citizens for political dissent, and Canada freezing of truckers' bank accounts in 2022 for protesting vaccine mandates.
    Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Officer Juan Gonzalez, a 12-year Miami Gardens police veteran, described being reprimanded for speaking to other Hispanic officers at a crime scene.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 16 July 2025
  • Ruben is sailing across the Atlantic with them (which Duncan rightfully reprimands him for later – like really, who brings a small child across the ocean in a sailboat?).
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 30 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Condemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condemn. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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