Definition of reprehendnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprehend differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprehend are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Where would censure be a reasonable alternative to reprehend?

The synonyms censure and reprehend are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 reprehend?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprehend, condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

When can criticize be used instead of reprehend?

While the synonyms criticize and reprehend are close in meaning, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How are the words denounce and condemn related as synonyms of reprehend?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When is reprobate a more appropriate choice than reprehend?

The words reprobate and reprehend can be used in similar contexts, but reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprehend
Verb
  • The organizers were arrested and denounced by authorities as counter-revolutionaries.
    Azadeh Moaveni, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Swalwell’s campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment, but candidates like former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former State Controller Betty Yee have denounced prediction markets and vowed to crack down on them if elected.
    Grace Hase, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Rogers, reportedly to the shock of those in attendance, backed up Microsoft by criticizing the work of the auditors.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Lee criticized the failure of Bondi's DOJ to take new action against Epstein associates, even as the United Kingdom has made arrests based on information in the latest releases of files.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The feud escalated further in February, when Owens launched a multi-part series targeting Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, delving into her family background and advancing insinuations about her role in his death that were widely condemned across the conservative spectrum.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Both of Georgia’s senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, have condemned the warehouse conversion and requested ICE pull back from the plan.
    Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • During his sentencing hearing at a Philadelphia courthouse, Seferlis apologized for writing the threatening letters, blaming the actions on his personal outrage over the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The conservative leader has blamed some of the violence on neighboring Colombia, accusing its government of not doing enough to stop cartels that operate along the border between both nations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • On the next page, David Greising faults Mayor Brandon Johnson for failing to adequately entice the Bears to stay in Chicago.
    Colleen Kujawa, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Golden didn’t fault his team’s effort but said Florida played rushed and disorganized offensively.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Reprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprehend. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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