What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anathematize
Example
The church leaders anathematized the heretical teachings of the cult. [anathematize: verb]
Example
The politician was anathematized by his own party for his controversial statements. [anathematized: past participle]
excommunicate
Example
The bishop excommunicated the priest for his immoral behavior. [excommunicate: verb]
Example
The cult leader was excommunicated from the community after his fraudulent activities were exposed. [excommunicated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excommunicate is more commonly used than anathematize in religious contexts, but both words are not commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anathematize and excommunicate?
Both anathematize and excommunicate are formal words, but anathematize is less common and more formal than excommunicate, which is more widely used in religious contexts.
