REBUKE Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rebuke 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rebuke

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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

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 rebuke

Noun

Judge Sweeney jumping to a preliminary injunction is also likely to face NCAA rebuke. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The remarks drew a sharp rebuke last month from Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026

Verb

Scientists rebuke proposed changes to grant funding In late May, the White House released a sweeping proposal to overhaul how federal grants and contracts are doled out. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 15 July 2026 Trump has repeatedly singled out Spain over those decisions and first floated the idea of cutting trade with the country in March—an economic threat that was widely rebuked by European leaders. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuke

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuke

Noun

That same day, the Houthis launched a flurry of attacks that reportedly killed and wounded dozens near the Yemen-Saudi border – sparking condemnation from Jordanian, Bahraini and Kuwaiti authorities.

— Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
What comes next ultimately vindicates Circe’s condemnation of the sailors.

— Bailey Sincox, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of condemnation

Verb

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
She was vilified and reprimanded for ACTUALLY taking a courageous stance against men in women’s sports and spaces.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of reprimand

Verb

The curious boys climbed onto the roof of their home for a better look, but climbed back down when scolded by their grandmother.

— Rina Nakano, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Rather than scolding parents about screens, society could do more to support families in ways that obviate the need for screen time.

— Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of scold

Verb

In an extraordinary step, the panel recommended that Edwards’ colleagues in Congress censure him.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
The City Council, which is considering censuring the mayor, asked for assistance because the city’s Human Resources director wasn’t available at the time, according to Mayor Pro Tem Tara Graves.

— Elijah Megginson, AJC.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of censure

Verb

So if ever you are admonished for omitting the fish in a Caesar, point your mistaken scold to Tijuana.

— Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Marsh, the judge who presided over the trial, repeatedly admonished Basabe for bringing up things that the court had previously ruled he wasn’t allowed to mention.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

Definition of admonish

Verb

In a separate statement, FIFPRO, the body representing soccer players around the world, also condemned FIFA for pursuing its plan and demanded a set of governance reforms.

— Rafael Nam, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
Past collaborators and friends, including Natalie Portman, who had become the face of Dior fragrance, condemned him.

— Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of condemn

Verb

Chief Critic Democratic Party consultant and former President Barack Obama’s ex-campaign adviser David Axelrod criticized the White House’s decision to use the old plane as a decoy with journalists on board.

— Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
The two lawmakers have intensely criticized Fauci over the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic for years, with Paul recently releasing diary entries penned by Fauci during the height of the pandemic.

— Joe Walsh, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of criticize

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rebuilt

rebuke

rebuked

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“Rebuke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuke. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rebuke

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Synonyms of rebuke

noun

verb

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