REPROACH Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of reproach are admonish , chide , rebuke , reprimand , and reprove . While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," 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 'admonish' take the place of 'reproach'?

While the synonyms admonish and reproach are close in meaning, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel. // admonished by my parents to control expenses

Q: When can 'rebuke' be used instead of 'reproach'?

The words rebuke and reproach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof. // the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

Q: When could 'reprimand' be used to replace 'reproach'?

Although the words reprimand and reproach have much in common, reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke. // reprimanded by the ethics committee

Q: Where would 'reprove' be a reasonable alternative to 'reproach'?

In some situations, the words reprove and reproach are roughly equivalent. However, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault. // gently reproved my table manners

reproach 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈprōch

Definition of reproach next

as in disgrace

a cause of shame your public display of boorish behavior is a reproach to this entire school

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in condemnation

an often public or formal expression of disapproval a letter of reproach was added to her dossier

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as in shame

the state of having lost the esteem of others nothing the traitor did in later life lessened the reproach in which he was universally held

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reproach

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈprōch

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings our neighbor loudly reproached us for tromping through his yard

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reprimand

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault she cleared her throat as a way of reproaching us for having our elbows on the table

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as in to censure

to express public or formal disapproval of the governor reproached the legislature for failing to pass the budget on time and once again throwing the state into fiscal chaos

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reproach contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reproach are admonish, chide, rebuke, reprimand, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," 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 admonish take the place of reproach?

While the synonyms admonish and reproach are close in meaning, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When can rebuke be used instead of reproach?

The words rebuke and reproach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When could reprimand be used to replace reproach?

Although the words reprimand and reproach have much in common, reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

Where would reprove be a reasonable alternative to reproach?

In some situations, the words reprove and reproach are roughly equivalent. However, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

Example 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 reproach

Noun

Pakistan’s military has long used its rivalry with India to legitimize its political and economic power and to place itself above reproach. —

Aqil Shah, Foreign Affairs, 22 Dec. 2020 From top to bottom, no coach or player is beyond reproach. —

Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024

Verb

Year after year, my parents reproached me on the way to and from parent-teacher conferences. —

Zameena Mejia, refinery29.com, 22 July 2024 After exiting a coffee shop in Tampa, the first lady stopped to reproach a group of reporters questioning her about Joe Biden’s candidacy. —

Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for reproach

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproach

Noun

The riot at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, was a national disgrace.

— The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025
The ugly scenes culminated in the deaths of five people, left more than 140 police officers injured, and Trump left Washington in disgrace.

— Tess Owen, WIRED, 20 Jan. 2025