slur vs denote

slur is a noun but denote is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
slur	Yes	No	Yes	No
denote	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, denote is a hypernym of slur; that is, denote is a word with a broader meaning than slur:

Other hypernyms of slur include refer.

slur (noun)	denote (noun)
a blemish made by dirt
a disparaging remark
(music) a curved line spanning notes that are to be played legato

slur (verb)	denote (verb)
become vague or indistinct	have as a meaning
utter indistinctly	be a sign or indication of
speak disparagingly of; e.g., make a racial slur	make known; make an announcement
play smoothly or legato