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
Example Sentences
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 WebDemocrats are happy to denounce China from afar for mistreating the Uighurs and the eclipse of Hong Kong’s autonomy. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 21 Aug. 2022 Critics have said that New Delhi must denounce Russia for breaching the territorial sovereignty of another nation. Umang Poddar, Quartz, 1 Mar. 2022 The combination of seeing rights stripped away on one side and facing declining economic ability on the other has radicalized them and has given struggles over what some people denounce as identity politics a very material force. Sam Deanstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2022 Actors like Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, Gene Kelly, and John Huston formed the Committee for the First Amendment and signed a petition to denounce the congressional committee as un-American itself for probing the politics of individual citizens. Laurie Hays, Fortune, 6 May 2022 The Azov Regiment enhanced its reputation in Ukraine further by its dogged defense of Mariupol since February, drawing further ire from Moscow, which continued to denounce it. James Marson, WSJ, 5 Aug. 2022 Take him on, denounce him as unfit for office, all right?ABC News, 29 May 2022 Democrats blasted Regan, calling on Republicans to denounce him. Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2022 Her husband fled, possibly fearing Gul might denounce him to the authorities. Elena Becatoros, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French denuncier to proclaim, from Latin denuntiare, from de- + nuntiare to report — more at announce