Identify the antonym of "Denounce":
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Defend
Explanation
The question asks you to identify the correct antonym (the word with the opposite meaning) for "Denounce".
To denounce means to publicly declare someone or something to be wrong, evil, or worthy of severe disapproval. It is an act of open criticism or condemnation.
Let's look at the definitions of the options to see why "Defend" is the perfect opposite:
Condemn means to express complete disapproval of someone or something. This is a direct synonym of denounce.
Accuse means to charge someone with an offense or a crime. This shares a similarly negative, attacking tone as denounce.
Defend means to speak or act in support of someone or something, especially when they are being criticized or attacked. Because defending is the exact opposite of attacking someone's reputation publicly, it is the correct antonym.
Blame means to assign responsibility for a fault or wrong. Like condemn and accuse, this is closely related to the meaning of denounce.
Because options 1, 2, and 4 are all close synonyms that involve speaking negatively against someone, Option 3 is the only word that acts as a true antonym.
Key Points
On vocabulary exams, if you aren't completely sure of a word's definition, group the choices by their emotional tone or charge. Here, "Condemn", "Accuse", and "Blame" all have a negative charge, while "Defend" is the single positive choice. The unique word out is almost always the correct antonym.
Common synonyms for denounce include: Criticize, Reprimand, Censure, and Vilify.
Common antonyms for denounce include: Praise, Laud, Commend, Applaud, and Defend.