reprimand

1 of 2

noun

rep·​ri·​mand ˈre-prə-ˌmand How to pronounce reprimand (audio)
Synonyms of reprimand
: a severe or formal reproof

reprimand

2 of 2

verb

reprimanded; reprimanding; reprimands

transitive verb

: to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority

Synonyms of reprimand

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Noun

Verb

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Choose the Right Synonym for reprimand

reprove, rebuke, reprimand, admonish, reproach, chide mean to criticize adversely.

reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness
chided by their mother for untidiness

Examples of reprimand in a Sentence

Noun while reviewing the troops, the officer delivered a curt reprimand to one of the soldiers Verb The soldiers were severely reprimanded. reprimanded the summer intern for her constant tardiness
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
The internal affairs investigator recommended a verbal reprimand, which was approved by Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 Socarras, Feldman and two others received internal letters of reprimand but no other discipline. — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
The audience awkwardly chuckles, and Scovel, eyes still closed, begins reprimanding them. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026 Rangel, who relinquished his position as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee amid the inquiry, was eventually censured, the first time a congressman had been thusly reprimanded in public in almost three decades. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reprimand

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French réprimande, from Latin reprimenda, feminine of reprimendus, gerundive of reprimere to check — more at repress

First Known Use

Noun

1636, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reprimand was in 1636

Rhymes for reprimand

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Browse Nearby Words

reprieve
reprimand
reprint
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reprimand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reprimand. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reprimand

1 of 2 noun
rep·​ri·​mand ˈrep-rə-ˌmand How to pronounce reprimand (audio)
: a severe or formal criticism

reprimand

2 of 2 verb
: to criticize (a person) severely especially from a position of authority

More from Merriam-Webster on reprimand

Nglish: Translation of reprimand for Spanish Speakers

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