condemn

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as in to sentence
to impose a judicial punishment on a stern judge who does not hesitate to condemn a felon to life behind bars

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb condemn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of condemn are censure, criticize, denounce, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

In what contexts can censure take the place of condemn?

The synonyms censure and condemn are sometimes interchangeable, but censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

Where would criticize be a reasonable alternative to condemn?

The words criticize and condemn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How do denounce and condemn relate to one another?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When could reprehend be used to replace condemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to condemn, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

When is it sensible to use reprobate instead of condemn?

The meanings of reprobate and condemn largely overlap; however, reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of condemn In 2023, the Globes gave airtime to the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, who gave a speech condemning Russia. Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025 While Anderson did not explicitly state when the incident took place, the Chicks, who changed their name in 2020, faced heavy backlash after singer Natalie Maines publicly condemned President George W. Bush and the invasion of Iraq at a London concert in 2003. EW.com, 6 Jan. 2025 The fire department, which occupies a portion of city hall, is condemned due to roof damage, water leaks and mold. Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2025 Queens Borough President Donovan Richards also condemned the violence. Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for condemn 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condemn
Verb
  • And just this week, Pritzker openly criticized Welch after the governor said the speaker did nothing to stop more than one of his members from berating and verbally abusing staff experts from the governor’s administration called in to explain the hemp issues to the Democratic Caucus.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Obama, in turn, has criticized Trump, particularly on issues of democracy and policy.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • He was convicted of manslaughter at age 16 after being arrested for riding in a car with someone who shot and killed a teenager.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Why the expansive pardon for Hunter but not for others convicted of similar offenses?
    Matthew Continetti, National Review, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In the Groveland case, Ford pleaded no contest to drug charges and was sentenced to 68 months in prison after the circuit judge denied his motion to suppress the evidence, Tuesday’s main opinion said.
    Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Case in point: Derek Lee, an Allegheny man sentenced to life without parole in 2016 for his role in a robbery in which his accomplice killed a homeowner.
    Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As suggested in the comments, the dryer could be to blame too.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Americans are said to be tired of being the world’s policeman, and who can blame them.
    Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Relying on and working with Democrats has frustrated George, who has threatened to censure Burrows, a move that would prevent him from appearing on a primary ballot for two years.
    Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Several board members said they were saddened that they were left with no option other than to censure one of their own members.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Image Some international commentators, including Robert Reich, the former U.S. labor secretary, also faulted the Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs, which earned huge fees for advising Greece on measures to reduce the book value of part of its debt in order to qualify for euro membership.
    Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Starbucks has denied wrongdoing and faulted the union for breaking off negotiations.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Critics say the dates cover Hunter Biden for crimes the public might not know about, and for which now he can never be punished.
    Kristine Frazao, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Even when the businesses moved hemp into storage areas and basements, away from sale, they were still punished for being noncompliant.
    Benjamin Adams, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • At one point, when Mr. Mastro raised his hand to make a point after his time had expired, Judge Gordon reprimanded him swiftly.
    Tracey Tully, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
  • BoF interviewed 14 current and former Lululemon employees, who claimed they were passed over for promotions, reprimanded and in some cases, unjustifiably fired.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near condemn

Cite this Entry

“Condemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condemn. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on condemn

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