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denounce

verb
de·​nounce | \ di-ˈnau̇n(t)s How to pronounce denounce (audio) , dÄ“-\
denounced; denouncing

Definition of denounce

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
Other Words from denounce Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about denounce

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Other Words from denounce

denouncement \ di-​ˈnau̇n(t)-​smÉ™nt How to pronounce denouncement (audio) , dÄ“-​ \ noun
denouncer noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for denounce

Synonyms

anathematize, censure, condemn, damn, decry, execrate, reprehend, reprobate

Antonyms

bless

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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

 Among the prisoners released by Russia was Ukrainian film director Oleg Sentsov, whose conviction for preparing terrorist attacks was strongly denounced aboard. — Fox News, "Russia, Ukraine release 35 in major prisoner exchange, Trump calls it a 'first giant step to peace'," 8 Sep. 2019 The anti-Semitic video was widely denounced by Democrats. — Rebecca Liebson, New York Times, "Uproar Over Anti-Semitic Video Produced by Republicans in N.Y. County," 30 Aug. 2019 Grossman, a Jewish author, was denounced in the press and by his editors. — Sophie Pinkham, The New Republic, "Vasily Grossman’s Lost Epic," 27 Aug. 2019 Trump's remark was denounced by those on both sides of the aisle, including some 2020 Democratic presidential contenders. — Felicia Sonmez, John Wagner, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump says Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats show ‘great disloyalty’ or ‘lack of knowledge’," 21 Aug. 2019 Trump's comments were denounced swiftly by Jewish American organizations. — Jonathan Lemire, Fortune, "Jewish People Who Vote Democrat Are Uninformed or Disloyal, Trump Tweets," 21 Aug. 2019 And whenever some journalist did make a rare error in judgment and published something even slightly unflattering about the Goddess, he was immediately denounced by other journalists and his story passionately refuted. — Jon Wertheim And Jacob Feldman, SI.com, "The Incomparable Life and Mysterious Death of Suzanne Lenglen," 27 June 2019 When Survivor debuted around the turn of the century it was universally denounced as an apocalyptic phenomenon that was going to destroy the culture and all human beings. — Jonny Auping, Longreads, "‘TV Has This Really Fraught Relationship with the Audience.’," 25 June 2019 The text was finally denounced to the Central Committee by a competing writer, and printing was halted. — Aaron Lake Smith, Harper's magazine, "The Trials of Vasily Grossman," 24 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'denounce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of denounce

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for denounce

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

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More Definitions for denounce

denounce

verb
How to pronounce denounce (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of denounce

: to publicly state that someone or something is bad or wrong : to criticize (someone or something) harshly and publicly
: to report (someone) to the police or other authorities for illegal or immoral acts

See the full definition for denounce in the English Language Learners Dictionary

denounce

verb
de·​nounce | \ di-ˈnau̇ns How to pronounce denounce (audio) \
denounced; denouncing

Kids Definition of denounce

1 : to point out as wrong or evil : condemn Parents denounced the cuts to the art program.
2 : to inform against : accuse I denounced him as a traitor.

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More from Merriam-Webster on denounce

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for denounce

Spanish Central: Translation of denounce

Nglish: Translation of denounce for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of denounce for Arabic Speakers

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