rebuke

1 of 2

verb

re·​buke ri-ˈbyük 

rebuked; rebuking

transitive verb

1

a

: to criticize sharply : reprimand

b

: to serve as a rebuke to

2

archaic : to turn back or keep down : check

rebuker noun

rebuke

2 of 2

noun

: an expression of strong disapproval : reprimand

Synonyms of rebuke

Verb

• reprimand
• admonish
• scold
• criticize
• blame

Noun

• condemnation
• reprimand
• censure

Choose the Right Synonym for rebuke

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 rebuke in a Sentence

Verb

the father was forced to rebuke his son for the spendthrift ways he had adopted since arriving at college

strongly rebuked the girl for playing with matches

Noun

delivered a stinging rebuke to the Congress, calling for an end to backstabbing and arguing

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The last inmate caught after an audacious New Orleans jailbreak was sentenced Friday to two life sentences over a 2018 double murder, with the Louisiana judge rebuking him for the disruption caused by his five months on the run. —CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

Ireland’s Taoiseach sharply rebuked Russia’s ambassador after the diplomat criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s official visit to Dublin. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Noun

But races up and down the ballot in November 2026 may prove difficult for Republicans given the political rebuke that the president's party usually faces in a midterm cycle. —Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025

Later in the day, Kennedy drew a second, separate rebuke from the Senate. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French rebucher, rebouker to blunt, check, reprimand

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rebuke

• archduke
• caoutchouc
• fluke
• juke
• kook
• luc
• luke
• nuke
• puke
• souk
• spook

Kids Definition

rebuke

1 of 2 verb

re·​buke ri-ˈbyük 

rebuked; rebuking

: to criticize sharply

rebuke

2 of 2 noun

: an expression of strong disapproval