What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
denounce
Example
The organization issued a statement to denounce the government's actions. [denounce: verb]
Example
She decided to denounce her former employer for their discriminatory practices. [denouncing: gerund or present participle]
accuse
Example
The police accused him of stealing the car. [accused: past tense]
Example
She accused her friend of lying to her. [accusing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accuse is more commonly used than denounce in everyday language, especially in legal contexts. Denounce is less common and is often used in political or social contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between denounce and accuse?
Denounce has a more formal and serious connotation than accuse, which can have a negative or accusatory tone. Both words can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the situation.
