anathematize

verb

ə-ˈna-thə-mə-ˌtīz How to pronounce anathematize (audio)
Definition of anathematizenext
1
as in to curse
to ask a divine power to send harm or evil upon heretics anathematized by the church leaders

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to denounce
to declare to be morally wrong or evil fundamentalist preachers who anathematize any departure from a literal interpretation of the Bible

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of anathematize In a democracy, the question of what to do about climate change and for that matter the decision to anathematize entire sectors of the economy ought to be matters for voters not moneymen. — Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 9 Dec. 2020 Still, some people now reflexively anathematize this brilliant novel because its self-justifying, unreliable narrator is a pedophile. — Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2020 And if anyone shall be led by his cupidity or arrogance to break this truce, by the authority of God and with the sanction of this Council he shall be anathematized. — James Carroll, The New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2017 In some ways, the grotesqueries of his persona, rather than anathematizing him to voters, only enhanced his appeal among those wishing for something different. — Jamelle Bouie, Slate Magazine, 24 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anathematize
  1. curse
  2. denounce
  3. condemn
  4. criticize
  5. blame
Verb
  • And, in a representative bid of concern, the coaches are cursing in their news conferences.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The drunk-and-disorderly charge is linked to a December incident, in which Minton is accused of shouting and cursing at patrons of a tattoo studio in Hickory, court records show.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of curse
Verb
  • Omar has denounced the investigations as a politically motivated conspiracy against her, and used it to urge supporters to donate to her reelection campaign.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • That backstory could make his refusal to denounce the ad a more enduring political problem for him.
    — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of denounce
Verb
  • The Israeli-American Council forcefully condemned his rhetoric as dangerous, dehumanizing hate speech.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Sensationalist books, television specials, true-crime documentaries, podcasts, and talk shows have judged and condemned him without conclusive evidence, without a trial, and without an opportunity to defend himself.
    — Gustavo Egusquiza, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of condemn
Verb
  • Vance has neither criticized his friend nor publicly nudged Carlson to temper what’s been harsh criticism of Israel — and Trump’s cultivation of the Netanyahu government.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • At an October debate, Bass pointed out that Raman, as chair of the city council’s housing and homelessness committee, had repeatedly approved spending on Inside Safe, the very program Raman now criticizes as expensive and insufficiently accountable.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • That set off the wave of youth protests that blamed the collapse on high-level corruption and cronyism during renovation work at the station.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Anything this pair does for the next several months that is not together will be scrutinized, dissected, interpreted, and ESPN can only blame itself.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of blame

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“Anathematize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anathematize. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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