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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
  • In fact, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Reid Hoffman have denounced work-life balance.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The Kansas Republican Party denounced the two leaders of the Kansas Young Republicans, chair Alex Dwyer and vice chair William Hendrix, for their involvement.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The prince was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein's victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Andrew was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein’s victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, a Republican, also condemned the messages.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Republicans defended Kirk, condemning the political violence that led to his death and calling for civility.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But some Republicans blamed Newsom for the freeway closure, calling it an over-reaction.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Now, blaming the shutdown, the Education Department is trying to lay off an additional 465 people, cutting deeply into multiple offices.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There is little to fault with .
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Meng Wei, a marine geologist and geophysicist at the University of Rhode Island, says the idea that fault systems near each other could synchronize has been floating around for years and has been seen at smaller fault boundaries over short periods.
    Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025
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 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reprehend

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