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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
  • Obama, in turn, has criticized Trump, particularly on issues of democracy and policy.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • However, many criticized Jones for fighting the aging Miocic and not pivoting to fight Aspinall, a younger and seemingly more dangerous fighter who holds the interim title.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Getty Images News | Getty Images Climate scientists condemned Trump’s order to remove the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, noting the pledge comes just weeks after U.S. and global scientific agencies confirmed the planet experienced its hottest year on record in 2024.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Trump's visit to the church in June 2020 was condemned by Democrats, who accused him of using the historic church for a photo op.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Finally, blaming the pharmaceutical industry for high drug costs has historically been PBMs’ go-to defense.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
  • While most economists agree that Biden was not to blame for inflation, the yearslong bout of sharp-rising prices hit Americans hard and, ultimately, cast a thick cloud over Biden’s presidency that carried through to the November election.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Last June, an inspector faulted the home after a child developed a pressure wound on his foot that was left untreated for two weeks.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Although Amorim did not fault his team’s effort, there are still major concerns about their application.
    Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 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 24 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reprehend

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