What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
denounced
Example
The government denounced the terrorist attack and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. [denounced: verb]
Example
The company issued a press release denouncing the allegations of unethical practices. [denouncing: gerund or present participle]
criticize
Example
The teacher criticized the student's essay for its lack of clarity and organization. [criticized: verb]
Example
The film received mixed reviews from critics who praised the acting but criticized the plot. [criticized: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Criticize is more commonly used than denounced in everyday language. Criticize is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while denounced is less common and often used in formal or authoritative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between denounced and criticize?
Denounced is a more formal word than criticize. It is often used in official or authoritative contexts to condemn something or someone, while criticize can be used in both formal and informal contexts.