denounce
Publicly declare something or someone to be wrong or evil
Examples
In a meeting
“The executive team denounced the unethical practices discovered in the audit.”
Over coffee
“She denounced the restaurant after finding out about their labor violations.”
Why this word
criticize
Denounce is a public, forceful condemnation often on moral grounds, while criticize can be private or mild evaluation
condemn
Denounce adds public declaration and often formal accusation, while condemn expresses strong disapproval
complain
Denounce is a formal, public accusation of wrongdoing, while complain expresses personal dissatisfaction
Usage tip
Use for strong, public condemnation. Too strong for minor disagreements—reserve for serious ethical issues.
Etymology
Latin 'denuntiare' — to announce, proclaim, from de- (down, away) + nuntiare (to announce)
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.