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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprehend differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprehend are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Where would censure be a reasonable alternative to reprehend?

The synonyms censure and reprehend are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 reprehend?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprehend, condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

When can criticize be used instead of reprehend?

While the synonyms criticize and reprehend are close in meaning, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How are the words denounce and condemn related as synonyms of reprehend?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When is reprobate a more appropriate choice than reprehend?

The words reprobate and reprehend can be used in similar contexts, but reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprehend
Verb
  • Mangione was found with a three-page handwritten manifesto criticizing the U.S. healthcare system.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Many people made public statements in support of Thompson, his family, and the capture of his killer, but others on social media celebrated the demise of a powerful figure in an industry often criticized for its denials of healthcare coverage.
    Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The official added that the document condemned the healthcare industry for prioritizing profits over care.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • If so, their ruling could rein in the reach of environmental impact statements, an outcome that would be welcomed by developers and condemned by environmentalists.
    David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Kennedy has a long history of blaming vaccines for autism.
    Catherine Tan, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Peterson has blamed his former financial adviser for the issues.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Nicholas’ mother, Margaret, faulted the way Endo and other firms marketed to Li.
    Bob Fernandez, ProPublica, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The countering of the conspiracy theory comes amid a broader review of how the FBI handled its intelligence gathering ahead of the attack on the Capitol, with the report faulting the bureau for not pushing field offices to collect more information from informants ahead of the rally.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near reprehend

Cite this Entry

“Reprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprehend. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on reprehend

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