denounce

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "denounce" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone expressing strong disapproval of someone or something. For example: "The mayor denounced the destructive behavior of the protestors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whether or not the EPA's own surveys can be trusted, the move by Republicans to denounce water regulation and pitch it as the enemy of the foundational American ideal of private property might not be a slam-dunk for the American right – even among their core supporters.

The Guardian

Predictions of 20%-30 20%-30ompliance imply they will have ample opportunity to denounce a shambles.

The Guardian - Opinion

They would instantly denounce such a government as illegitimate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The acerbic lyrics denounce President Vladimir Putin, the Olympics and a number of political trials going on in Russia, and was accompanied by footage of the women in their trademark balaclavas in Sochi.

The Guardian - Music

The democratically elected Congress is still in place and despite the terrorist attack on the American mission, Libyans have spontaneously united to denounce violence and rebuild their nation.

The Guardian

Mahathir, who was prime minister for 22 years until 2003, took the unusual step of going on national television several times to denounce his former deputy for sodomy even while the trial continued.

The Guardian

Hossein Shariatmadari, however, the hardline editor of the Kayhan state newspaper, was quick to denounce the framework agreement.

The Guardian

It uncovers the growing influence of the Tea Party, who denounce almost all government spending or activity as "socialism".

The Guardian

During her campaign, Bachmann sought to denounce her opponent, a successful businessman who founded the AmericInn hotel chain and now heads Graves Hospitality, as a supporter of Barack Obama's health insurance programme; he accused her of being an ineffective congresswoman.

The Guardian

Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, went to the Senate floor on Thursday to denounce the violence endemic in her state's native communities, and to say she will urge the House to move forward.

The New York Times

Related: Family of North Carolina shooting victims denounce killings as 'hate crime' In a statement issued late on Thursday, the FBI said it would continue to help the local force with its ongoing investigation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "denounce" in informal writing; consider softer alternatives like "criticize" or "disapprove" to maintain a balanced tone.

Common error

Avoid using "denounce" when a milder term like "criticize" or "mention" would be more appropriate. "Denounce" implies strong moral condemnation, which may be excessive in neutral or objective reporting.

Linguistic Context

Denounce functions primarily as a verb. It indicates a strong, public disapproval or condemnation of something. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, the term is frequently used in news and media to report on expressions of strong disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "denounce" is a verb used to express strong public disapproval or condemnation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "denounce", be mindful of its formal tone and ensure it aligns with the intended level of severity and public expression. Alternative terms such as ""condemn"", ""criticize"", or ""decry"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

condemn

Expresses strong disapproval, often in a formal or official context. Slightly more formal than "denounce".

decry

Expresses strong disapproval publicly and forcefully. It carries a sense of lament.

censure

Implies formal disapproval, typically by an authority or institution.

reprimand

Indicates a formal and authoritative rebuke.

rebuke

Expresses sharp disapproval or criticism, often directly and forcefully.

criticize

Indicates disapproval but is generally less severe than "denounce".

lambast

Signifies severe criticism or harsh reprimand, often publicly.

reprove

Suggests mild disapproval or gentle criticism, often with the intention of correcting a fault.

attack

Suggests a more aggressive form of disapproval, often involving verbal or written assault.

berate

Involves scolding or criticizing someone angrily and at length.

FAQs

How can I use "denounce" in a sentence?

You can use "denounce" to express strong disapproval, as in, "The international community "denounced" the act of aggression."

What are some alternatives to "denounce"?

Alternatives include "condemn", "criticize", and "decry", depending on the level of disapproval you want to convey.

What's the difference between "denounce" and "criticize"?

"Denounce" implies a stronger, often public, condemnation, while "criticize" is a more general expression of disapproval.

Is "denounce" formal or informal?

"Denounce" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for news reports, official statements, and academic writing.