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reprobate

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noun

reprobate

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verb

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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

Examples 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
  • His first 2016 term was derailed by COVID, but after four years of failure by the corrupt Biden administration, President Trump's 2024 win was a victory by a diverse and broad coalition of Americans.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Shin Ha-kyun’s deadpan performance as a supernaturally gifted corporate fraud investigator sets the tone for this unusual procedural, which follows an auditing team at the deeply corrupt JU Construction firm.
    Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Peter Dinklage rolls both hero and villain into his performance as Tyrion Lannister, a dwarf who uses intelligence to overcome prejudice.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Still, the character is now available to play the hero or the villain in a slasher film — a la Winnie the Pooh — if some enterprising filmmaker wants to take advantage of the fair use.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 1 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Ultimately, Republicans rejected Trump’s demand to eliminate the debt limit completely.
    David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Government shutdown:Donald Trump rejects bipartisan plan to avoid a government shutdown, sets up debt ceiling battle When is the government shutdown deadline?
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • President Biden signed a bill into law Saturday that averts a government shutdown, bringing a final close to days of upheaval after Congress approved a temporary funding plan just past the deadline and refused President-elect Donald Trump’s core debt demands in the package.
    Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
  • According to a press release from Bexar County Emergency Services District 4 Fire & Rescue, three additional patients refused transport, and 10 others were triaged and treated by responders at the scene.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Their mission was supposed to take between eight and 10 days, but helium leaks in the capsule's propulsion system and degraded thrusters, which are important for re-entry, upended plans for bringing the astronauts back to Earth.
    Alex Sundby, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
  • McCarthy’s harrowing post apocalyptic tale of a boy and his father making their way through a wasteland populated by the degraded remains of human civilization is brilliantly adapted by Larcenet.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • One million doctors to give care, 1.4 million brutes in cubicles doing their best to stop doctors from giving that care.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The Illinois brute stretches the tape to 205 inches.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Addressing reports that a bird strike was the cause of the crash, Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae neither confirmed nor denied it.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Michael LeBron wanted to rent a billboard in an Amtrak station, was denied, and ended up suing Amtrak over First Amendment rights.
    Peter Greene, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • After the remaining trio declined to renew Klein’s contract in 1973, Klein sued them.
    Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Demand for treatments like hip and knee replacements could decline over time as lighter bodies put less pressure on joints, some experts believe.
    Nathan Bomey, Axios, 1 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near reprobate

Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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