REPROBATE Synonyms: 325 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reprobate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprobate are censure , condemn , criticize , denounce , and reprehend . While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction. // reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Q: When would 'censure' be a good substitute for 'reprobate'?

The words censure and reprobate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding. // a Senator formally censured by his peers

Q: When could 'condemn' be used to replace 'reprobate'?

The synonyms condemn and reprobate are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment. // condemned the government's racial policies

Q: Where would 'criticize' be a reasonable alternative to 'reprobate'?

The words criticize and reprobate can be used in similar contexts, but criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions. // criticized the police for using violence

Q: How are the words 'denounce' and 'condemn' related as synonyms of 'reprobate'?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration. // a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

Q: When might 'reprehend' be a better fit than 'reprobate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprobate , reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking. // reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

reprobate 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of reprobate next

as in corrupt

having or showing lowered moral character or standards a reprobate judge who could be bribed, and often with astonishing ease

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reprobate

2 of 3

noun

as in villain

a mean, evil, or unprincipled person a program for rehabilitating hard-core reprobates and turning them into hard-working, law-abiding citizens

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reprobate

3 of 3

verb

ˈre-prə-ˌbāt

as in to reject

to be unwilling to grant the board will most likely reprobate the request for parole

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to refuse

to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to without hesitation she reprobated such an indecent idea

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to denounce

to declare to be morally wrong or evil spent much of her talk reprobating the callous indifference of a materialistic society to the suffering of people in the third world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprobate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprobate are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprehend. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

When would censure be a good substitute for reprobate?

The words censure and reprobate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When could condemn be used to replace reprobate?

The synonyms condemn and reprobate are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

Where would criticize be a reasonable alternative to reprobate?

The words criticize and reprobate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 reprobate?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When might reprehend be a better fit than reprobate?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprobate, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

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 reprobate

Adjective

That’s when Regina’s sardonic sister (Wanda Skyes, the show’s co-creator) steps in and lets him and his reprobate pals have it. —

Jeanne Jakle, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Apr. 2021 For reference, consider the late, reprobate Southwest Conference. —

Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 13 Jan. 2020

Noun

That tirade paralleled a similar rant by Eminem, the token white reprobate and protégé of Dr. Dre’s degenerate Interscope/Death Row combine. —

Armond White, National Review, 15 Nov. 2023 Instead, Killers of the Flower Moon pits white reprobates against indigenous innocents. —

Armond White, National Review, 20 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for reprobate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate

Adjective

Many such stories also contain the suggestion, sometimes explicit, that the old civilization was unbearably corrupt and that its violent collapse was overdue.

— Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens, while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair.

— Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025