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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
  • Arab states are now publicly condemning Hamas’ violence and calling for an end to its control of Gaza, a shift from their previous positions.
    Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Multiple Virginia Republicans, including Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, condemned the act of violence and offered their prayers for Vogler and his family.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2025
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 comedian and political commentator has long criticized late-night hosts like Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 1 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • Trump has blamed India's high tariffs on imports for the trade deficit.
    Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 30 July 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
  • 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
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
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 6 Aug. 2025.

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