REBUKE Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

rebuke 1 of 2

noun

as in condemnation

an often public or formal expression of disapproval delivered a stinging rebuke to the Congress, calling for an end to backstabbing and arguing

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rebuke

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈbyük

as in to reprimand

to criticize (someone) so as to correct a fault the father was forced to rebuke his son for the spendthrift ways he had adopted since arriving at college

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as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings strongly rebuked the girl for playing with matches

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as in to censure

to express public or formal disapproval of in a rare move, the state's supreme court rebuked the governor for trying to circumvent one of its recent rulings

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rebuke contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rebuke are admonish, chide, reprimand, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When is it sensible to use admonish instead of rebuke?

While in some cases nearly identical to rebuke, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When would reprimand be a good substitute for rebuke?

The words reprimand and rebuke can be used in similar contexts, but reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

How do reproach and chide relate to one another, in the sense of rebuke?

Both 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 reprove take the place of rebuke?

Although the words reprove and rebuke have much in common, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

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 rebuke

Noun

But the arms sales have drawn angry rebukes from Beijing. —

Cnn Staff, CNN, 7 Nov. 2024 That has drawn rebukes from the Biden administration, which has warned that U.S. laws might force it to curb military aid to Israel if more aid is not allowed in. —

Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024

Verb

Israel has at various times rebuked demands for such accommodations for Gaza, citing how this aid is often intercepted and taken by Hamas militants after being brought into the region. —

Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Oct. 2024 In 1987, Kristofferson played at a benefit for Peltier alongside Jackson Browne, Willie Nelson and Joni Mitchell; onstage, Kristofferson declared that Peltier had been targeted for his activism, and was later rebuked by the federal prosecutor on the case. —

David Browne, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rebuke

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuke

Noun

De La Soul’s unexpected broadside against High and Rising drew plenty of online condemnation.

Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2024
The demonstration in Decatur received no media attention—much less condemnation from the president.

Tess Owen, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024