reprimand

1 of 2

noun

rep·​ri·​mand ˈre-prə-ˌmand 

: a severe or formal reproof

reprimand

2 of 2

verb

reprimanded; reprimanding; reprimands

transitive verb

: to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority

Synonyms

Noun

• censure
• commination
• condemnation
• denunciation
• excoriation
• objurgation
• rebuke
• reproach
• reproof
• riot act
• stricture

Verb

• baste
• bawl out
• berate
• call down
• castigate
• chastise
• chew out
• dress down
• flay
• hammer
• jaw
• keelhaul
• lambaste
• lambast
• lecture
• rag
• rail (at or against)
• rant (at)
• rate
• ream (out)
• rebuke
• reproach
• scold
• score
• tongue-lash
• upbraid

Choose the Right Synonym for reprimand

reprove, rebuke, reprimand, admonish, reproach, chide mean to criticize adversely.

reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

Examples of reprimand in a Sentence

Noun

while reviewing the troops, the officer delivered a curt reprimand to one of the soldiers

Verb

The soldiers were severely reprimanded.

reprimanded the summer intern for her constant tardiness

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But for Pascal to turn his Parisian nose up at his free bowling shirt should have earned a stern reprimand rather than a Joan giggle. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024

In some respects, a diktat was already announced last summer by reducing remote working to two days per week, with badges checked and email reprimands for employees who fail to toe the line. —Anna Zanardi Cappon, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Verb

In 2019, the City Section reprimanded the Gauchos for fielding an ineligible player after investigating the program. —Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024

If the medical board’s investigation results in disciplinary action, Nguyen’s license could be publicly reprimanded, placed on probation, suspended or revoked. —Scott Schwebke, Orange County Register, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French réprimande, from Latin reprimenda, feminine of reprimendus, gerundive of reprimere to check — more at repress

First Known Use

Noun

1636, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1681, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

reprimand

1 of 2 noun

rep·​ri·​mand ˈrep-rə-ˌmand 

: a severe or formal criticism

reprimand

2 of 2 verb

: to criticize (a person) severely especially from a position of authority