CENSURE Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'censure' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of censure are condemn , criticize , denounce , reprehend , and reprobate . While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding. // a Senator formally censured by his peers

Q: When would 'condemn' be a good substitute for 'censure'?

The synonyms condemn and censure are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment. // condemned the government's racial policies

Q: When could 'criticize' be used to replace 'censure'?

The words criticize and censure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions. // criticized the police for using violence

Q: How do 'denounce' and 'condemn' relate to one another, in the sense of 'censure'?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration. // a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

Q: When can 'reprehend' be used instead of 'censure'?

In some situations, the words reprehend and censure are roughly equivalent. However, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking. // reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Q: Where would 'reprobate' be a reasonable alternative to 'censure'?

The meanings of reprobate and censure largely overlap; however, reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction. // reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

censure 1 of 2

noun

ˈsen(t)-shər

Definition of censure next

as in condemnation

an often public or formal expression of disapproval a rare censure of a senator by the full United States Senate for misconduct

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

censure

2 of 2

verb

as in to reprimand

to express public or formal disapproval of a vote to censure the President for conduct that was unbecoming to his office

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as in to denounce

to declare to be morally wrong or evil our society generally censures the taking of another person's life

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as in to criticize

to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of critics have striven to outdo each other in censuring that pop novelist's latest work

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb censure differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of censure are condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When would condemn be a good substitute for censure?

The synonyms condemn and censure are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

When could criticize be used to replace censure?

The words criticize and censure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How do denounce and condemn relate to one another, in the sense of censure?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When can reprehend be used instead of censure?

In some situations, the words reprehend and censure are roughly equivalent. However, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Where would reprobate be a reasonable alternative to censure?

The meanings of reprobate and censure largely overlap; however, reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of censure

Noun

Still, her presence does give Sorkin the opportunity to leap back and forth between the writing of the address and the aftermath, exploring the president’s struggle to regain his composure after a congressional censure in the process. —

Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2024 The party says there will be disciplinary action — which could include censure, suspension and a ban — for those who violate the code. —

Hayleigh Colombo, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024

Verb

George allegedly threatened to send mailers or censure lawmakers who support state Rep. Dustin Burrows for House speaker, when state Rep. David Cook is his preferred choice. —

Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Jan. 2025 Relying on and working with Democrats has frustrated George, who has threatened to censure Burrows, a move that would prevent him from appearing on a primary ballot for two years. —

Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for censure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for censure

Noun

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a top aide to President Trump, drew and quickly dismissed a raft of condemnation from Democratic lawmakers, left-wing politicians abroad and others across the internet after twice making what to some looked like a Nazi salute from an inauguration stage.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Faced with racist quotas and restrictive laws, Perkins dared public condemnation—even enduring a congressional crusade for her impeachment—in a desperate effort to save refugees and relocate them to the United States.

— Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025