REBUKE Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'rebuke' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rebuke are admonish , chide , reprimand , reproach , and reprove . While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof. // the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

Q: When is it sensible to use 'admonish' instead of 'rebuke'?

While in some cases nearly identical to rebuke , admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel. // admonished by my parents to control expenses

Q: When would 'reprimand' be a good substitute for 'rebuke'?

The words reprimand and rebuke can be used in similar contexts, but reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke. // reprimanded by the ethics committee

Q: How do 'reproach' and 'chide' relate to one another, in the sense of 'rebuke'?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding. // reproached him for tardiness // chided by their mother for untidiness

Q: In what contexts can 'reprove' take the place of 'rebuke'?

Although the words reprove and rebuke have much in common, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault. // gently reproved my table manners

rebuke 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rebuke next

as in condemnation

an often public or formal expression of disapproval delivered a stinging rebuke to the Congress, calling for an end to backstabbing and arguing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rebuke

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈbyük

as in to reprimand

to criticize (someone) so as to correct a fault the father was forced to rebuke his son for the spendthrift ways he had adopted since arriving at college

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as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings strongly rebuked the girl for playing with matches

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as in to censure

to express public or formal disapproval of in a rare move, the state's supreme court rebuked the governor for trying to circumvent one of its recent rulings

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rebuke contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rebuke are admonish, chide, reprimand, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When is it sensible to use admonish instead of rebuke?

While in some cases nearly identical to rebuke, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When would reprimand be a good substitute for rebuke?

The words reprimand and rebuke can be used in similar contexts, but reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

How do reproach and chide relate to one another, in the sense of rebuke?

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

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

In what contexts can reprove take the place of rebuke?

Although the words reprove and rebuke have much in common, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

Examples 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 rebuke

Noun

When Trump launched this campaign on the heels of a third straight rebuke in national elections, Republican leaders tried to ignore him. —

Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024 Her address at the Ellipse was intended in part as a rebuke to Trump, who on Jan. 6, 2021, urged his supporters to go to the Capitol, where Congress and then-Vice President Mike Pence were certifying the results of the presidential election. —

Shawna Mizelle, CBS News, 31 Oct. 2024

Verb

The back-and-forth legal squabble followed days of celebration by The Onion and its supporters, as well as denial and rebuke from Jones, that the parody news organization would take over his platform. —

Kat Tenbarge, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2024 The decision was reversed and rebuked by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rebuke

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuke

Noun

Inside, 190 lawmakers succeeded in voting against the decree and Yoon was forced to lift martial law just six hours after announcing it, amid widespread condemnation.

Ivan Watson, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024
The declaration followed Marcos Jr.'s signing of legislation clarifying his nation's maritime claims, a move that drew strong condemnation from Beijing.

Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024