Definitions

condemn

[kuhn-dem] / kənˈdɛm /

VERB

blame, convict

Synonyms

STRONGEST

castigate censure chide criticize decry denounce punish sentence

STRONG

adjudge belittle damn deprecate depreciate disapprove disparage doom frame judge knock name pronounce proscribe reprehend reproach reprobate reprove skin upbraid

WEAK

blow whistle on call down come down on denunciate find fault with find guilty hang something on lay at one's door let have it pass sentence on pin it on point finger at put away put down send up send up the river thumbs down on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve compliment laud praise

STRONG

build up commend endorse exalt sanction

WEAK

absolve acquit clear discharge exonerate free pardon release set free

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He doesn’t condemn the pursuit outright, but you can feel him biting his tongue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

It was when El-Sayed refused to condemn past comments from Piker—he said it wasn’t up to him to address all of Piker’s statements—that suddenly everyone wanted a piece of him.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026

He wrote on X: "Political violence is wrong. We must all condemn this attack and be thankful no lives were lost."

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

“Ana Murguia, Debra Rojas and Dolores Huerta are speaking with clarity and strength. I stand with them and condemn all instances of sexual assault.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

And if I laughed louder for the sake of angering him, if I smiled wider, and kissed Locke longer, that is a kind of deceit that even the Folk cannot condemn.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Vocabulary lists containing condemn

List 3

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The Silent Treatment: Words Plagued by Silent Letters

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"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act V

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