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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
  • Thao, the first Hmong American mayor to lead a major American city, was criticized shortly after taking office for letting go of a police chief and taking months to replace him.
    Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • But the group has largely been shy about criticizing Trump openly.
    Peter Green, Quartz, 9 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Hochul was still speaking when New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a statement from the other side of the Hudson River condemning the plan and vowing to sue to stop it from going into effect.
    Corky Siemaszko, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • As philosopher George Santayana reminds us, those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it.
    Josh Becker, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Alexis no longer blames herself for her baby’s death.
    Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Many Californians initially blamed Pete Wilson, who had become California’s governor in 1991.
    Eladio B. Bobadilla / Made by History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Do not fault yourself for your process to get to progress.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024
  • The other driver in the April 10 Las Vegas accident, who was taken to the hospital, was faulted for failing to yield the right of way, according to the police report.
    Akash Sriram and Abhirup Roy, USA TODAY, 5 Oct. 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 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on reprehend

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