denounce

verb

de·​nounce di-ˈnau̇n(t)s How to pronounce denounce (audio)
dē-
denounced; denouncing
Synonyms of denouncenext

transitive verb

1
: to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil
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 How to pronounce denounce (audio)
dē-
noun
denouncer noun

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
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 Advertisement Tenant advocates and some residents of Hillside Villa denounced the deal, saying many cannot afford to pay. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024 Israel’s military offensive in response has killed over 32,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and destroyed much of the territory, which speaker after speaker denounced Thursday. —Edith M. Lederer, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for denounce 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'denounce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French denuncier to proclaim, from Latin denuntiare, from de- + nuntiare to report — more at announce

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of denounce was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near denounce

denouement

denounce

de novo

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Denounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denounce. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

denounce

verb
de·​nounce di-ˈnau̇n(t)s How to pronounce denounce (audio)
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 How to pronounce denounce (audio)
noun
denouncer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on denounce

Nglish: Translation of denounce for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of denounce for Arabic Speakers

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