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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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprehend
Verb
  • The agreement is already being heavily criticized by New York City Council leaders, after prosecutors resigned in protest against a directive from Trump's Department of Justice to dismiss corruption charges against Adams so the mayor could assist with the Republican president's immigration agenda.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Before Republicans start criticizing Democrats about their dependence on federal dollars, a quick review of the facts may be warranted.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Stephen Henriques, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Everton and Liverpool have jointly condemned racist abuse of Abdoulaye Doucoure that was posted on social media after their stormy tangle.
    Phil Hay, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Union leaders representing federal workers have condemned the Trump administration's order for agencies to lay off almost all probationary employees.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • That, after all, would open up these politicians to scrutiny and blame if the wars didn’t go well.
    Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
  • After the 2023 Supreme Court ruling, which deemed affirmative action in university admissions unconstitutional, attacks on DEI proliferated, and the term became a right-wing bogeyman blamed for almost anything that goes wrong in any workplace.
    Kizzy Cox, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • During the 1930s, while the country was suffering through a relentless economic depression, The New Yorker was sometimes faulted for blithely ignoring the seriousness of the nation’s problems.
    Christopher B. Daly, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
  • None faults visitors for wanting to enjoy themselves.
    Dakin Andone, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
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 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reprehend

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