reproach

1 of 2

noun

re·​proach ri-ˈprōch How to pronounce reproach (audio)
1
: an expression of rebuke or disapproval
2
: the act or action of reproaching or disapproving
was beyond reproach
3
a
: a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace
4
obsolete : one subjected to censure or scorn
reproachful adjective
reproachfully adverb
reproachfulness noun

reproach

2 of 2

verb

re·​proach ri-ˈprōch How to pronounce reproach (audio)
reproached; reproaching; reproaches

transitive verb

1
: to express disappointment in or displeasure with (a person) for conduct that is blameworthy or in need of amendment
2
: to make (something) a matter of reproach
3
: to bring into discredit
reproachable adjective
reproacher noun
reproachingly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for reproach

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 reproach in a Sentence

Noun A bug in the logic of a design, though discovered and fixed in the lab, stands as a slight reproach to the designer. Tracy Kidder, The Soul of a New Machine, 1981
Yes, he told them, when he came, it was quite true that they would have to pay interest. And then Teta Elzbieta broke forth into protestations and reproaches, so that the people outside stopped and peered in at the window. Upton Sinclair, The Jungle, 1906
"He's the finest boy in England," the father said in a tone of reproach to her, "and you don't seem to care for him, Becky, as much as you do for your spaniel.  … " William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, 1847
She looked at him with reproach. Accusations and reproaches from both parties made it difficult to pursue discussions. His conduct has brought shame and reproach to his family. Verb Parents and teachers gaped at the young writers, uncertain whether to reproach or praise these young adults for their language in writing about decidedly adult issues. Tobi Jacobi, English Journal, March 2007
For years I fretted over these questions and reproached myself for not having taken that diary when it was offered to me in 1945. John Hope Franklin, Race and History, 1989
She did not reproach herself with her failure; but she would have been happier if there had been less discrepancy between her words to Sophy Viner and the act which had followed them. Edith Wharton, The Reef, 1912
our neighbor loudly reproached us for tromping through his yard she cleared her throat as a way of reproaching us for having our elbows on the table
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Although attorneys may seem completely immune, AI can now review legal documents more efficiently and are less likely to be subject to human error At first blush, roles that involve a high degree of human creativity may seem above reproach. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 For all the quibbles about her style and level of access, there is one thing that is beyond reproach: the work. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024 Attorneys, as well as professional fiduciaries, must be beyond reproach. Pat Kapowich, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2024 Simon’s catalog is beyond reproach, and the beauty of tonight was that everybody chose their own song. Chris Willman, Variety, 6 Feb. 2024 For generations, Neruda’s prestige seemed beyond reproach. Graciela Mochkofsky, The New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2024 Hoeft’s employer is a mutual fund company that has cultivated a reputation for caution and business practices that are above reproach. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 21 Nov. 2023 The British arrived in the Andamans bent upon dominion but determined that their conduct would be above reproach. Adam Goodheart, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Sep. 2023 On the other hand, the appearance of the Golf's interior is almost beyond reproach—a stylish combination of textures, patterns, contrasts, and quality materials, augmented by thoughtful touches. Tony Swan, Car and Driver, 28 Aug. 2023
Verb
Similarly, leaders are more reluctant to reproach a violator when strategic interests are at stake. Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 The Supreme Court would be beyond reproach, if only its critics would stop reproaching it. Yvonne Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 6 May 2023 In conclusion, the judge reproached DeSantis and Florida officials for casting doubt on medical science for their own partisan purposes. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2023 The intelligence services also reproach the Chinese government for hindering international investigations of COVID-19’s origins, in part by refusing to share information about WIV research or its own findings about the early course of the disease in Wuhan. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2021 The failure to reproach Nebenzya for his near daily false claims is yet another way the U.N.'s credibility has taken a hit during the crisis, according to some critics. Conor Finnegan, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2022 The European countries that had seen fit to reproach Russia over the war had now moved on. New York Times, 16 Jan. 2022 This was not the moment to reproach the sailor deputies, though, or even to devise a punishment. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, National Review, 12 Oct. 2021 In addition to employing targeted and national sanctions, democratic countries have other ways to reproach states that violate international law. Shelley Inglis, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reproach.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English reproche, from Anglo-French, from reprocher to reproach, from Vulgar Latin *repropiare to bring close, show, from Latin re- + prope near — more at approach

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reproach was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near reproach

Cite this Entry

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reproach. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reproach

1 of 2 noun
re·​proach ri-ˈprōch How to pronounce reproach (audio)
1
a
: something that deserves blame or disgrace
their dirty yard is a reproach to the whole street
b
: loss of reputation : disgrace
2
: the act or action of disapproving
was beyond reproach
3
: an expression of disapproval
reproachful adjective
reproachfully adverb
reproachfulness noun

reproach

2 of 2 verb
: to find fault with : blame
reproached him for his cowardice
reproachable adjective
reproacher noun
reproachingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on reproach

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