denounce

verb

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

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 How to pronounce denounce (audio)
dē-
noun
denouncer noun

Synonyms of denounce

Relevance
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
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.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was blindsided on Tuesday when two members of his caucus voted with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to put a resolution denouncing socialism on the floor for a full vote. — Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026 During the news conference, Sheinbaum denounced the idea that the music contest was a form of censorship. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 And other Democrats, especially those from Coupang’s home state, Washington, have joined their Republican colleagues in denouncing South Korea’s posture toward the company. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 That's where people are going, but every Democrat has now have to announce it or denounce it. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for denounce

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

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

Rhymes for denounce

See All Rhymes for denounce

Browse Nearby Words

denouement
denounce
denouncement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Denounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denounce. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All