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.

The family were, mercifully perhaps, not present to hear the vicious argument with shouts of "condemn it", cries of "shame", and jeers and boos on Wednesday.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

His frustration with appears to have stemmed from her refusal to condemn the outgoing director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, during a congressional hearing in March.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

Both sides condemn legalization, which exists in places like Amsterdam and which imposes a strong regulatory system—but for very different reasons: the first, because it normalizes exploitation and the latter because it limits free trade.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

But M23 troops kept advancing even after the accord, leading the United States to condemn Rwanda and slap sanctions in March on the Rwandan military.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

I reflected on how mass imprisonment has littered the national landscape with carceral monuments of reckless and excessive punishment and ravaged communities with our hopeless willingness to condemn and discard the most vulnerable among us.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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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