censure 1 of 2

Definition of censurenext

censure

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb censure differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of censure are condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When would condemn be a good substitute for censure?

The synonyms condemn and censure are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

When could criticize be used to replace censure?

The words criticize and censure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How do denounce and condemn relate to one another, in the sense of censure?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When can reprehend be used instead of censure?

In some situations, the words reprehend and censure are roughly equivalent. However, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Where would reprobate be a reasonable alternative to censure?

The meanings of reprobate and censure largely overlap; however, reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

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 censure
Noun
During the trial, Phelan led the chamber through the impeachment, defended the process and survived Paxton's attempt to replace him in the House and the Texas Republican Party's censure. Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 3 June 2026 Several Democrats joined with Republicans for the censure vote. Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Verb
The decision was condemned by numerous other Democrats in the state and the Colorado Democratic Party voted to censure Polis as a result. Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 June 2026 He was censured in an overwhelming vote by the state Democratic Party’s central committee, prompting Polis to appear on a subsequent party video call with black tape over his mouth. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for censure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for censure
Noun
  • The attack, which was captured on video and shared on social media, led to condemnation of the perpetrator and an outpouring of support for the food vendor, who was identified by her family members as Arabelia Martinez, 62.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Families facing difficult diagnoses deserve compassion, not condemnation.
    Michelle Sie Whitten, STAT, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • One notable instance came in season 1 of America's Sweethearts, when Powell was reprimanded for asking where her ornament was on the locker room Christmas tree, as opposed to expressing gratitude for the decorations.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026
  • Later on during the trial, the judge reprimanded Pino and his supporters for hugging and physical embracing him while court was in session and the jury was present.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • True Americans are committed to defending the Constitution while denouncing any president who wants to thrash it.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • Several Gulf countries have strongly denounced Iran's drone strikes Saturday on the island nation of Bahrain, while vowing to stand united against any possible aggression from Tehran in the future.
    James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Then-Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt criticized the prosecution and sought to intervene, arguing the case raised broader questions about Missourians' rights to defend themselves and their property.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026
  • Moore himself has repeatedly criticized the White House on education policy.
    Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The Department of Licenses and Inspections responded to the scene and condemned the house, which sustained considerable damage.
    Laura Fay, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • While Washington blamed Iran and condemned the attack, Gulf states were left with lingering questions about the extent of American willingness to confront Tehran on their behalf.
    Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump blames vandalism for the troubles with the reflecting pool renovation, announces people are being arrested.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • The logic here is highly questionable — dying for your queen and dying by her hand are not equivalent sacrifices — but let’s blame Lorent’s lapse in judgment on the chaos of the moment.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Guerra said while Bass can do much of her job from another city for a day, a mayor is often faulted for not being front and center during an emergency.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • In a scathing report released earlier this month, state investigators faulted the camp for inadequate advance emergency planning, storm preparation, evacuations and incident management.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Catholic leaders in Florida argue that there are better ways to protect the public from violent crimes and in Spencer’s case, the availability of life without parole is a moral way to punish Spencer without taking his life.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • And now she's been punished for it.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Censure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/censure. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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