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Definition of reproachnext
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as in disgrace
a cause of shame your public display of boorish behavior is a reproach to this entire school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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reproach

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reproach contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reproach are admonish, chide, rebuke, reprimand, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness
chided by their mother for untidiness

In what contexts can admonish take the place of reproach?

While the synonyms admonish and reproach are close in meaning, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When can rebuke be used instead of reproach?

The words rebuke and reproach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When could reprimand be used to replace reproach?

Although the words reprimand and reproach have much in common, reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

Where would reprove be a reasonable alternative to reproach?

In some situations, the words reprove and reproach are roughly equivalent. However, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

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 reproach
Noun
For these reasons, NBC could financially and politically afford to risk criticism for failing to heed the blacklists; its corporate and political credentials were above reproach. Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, the rest of America’s wealthy Epstein cabal continue to float above reproach, and reckoning. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
If Oosterhoff did end his patient’s life, however, God might reproach him for having acted without knowing all of the consequences. Charles Lane, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026 During her tenure, she was openly critiqued for her lack of political knowledge and reproached for her Christian-fundamentalist views on evolution. Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reproach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproach
Noun
  • Just two years earlier a president had resigned in disgrace after what had been one of the nation’s toughest constitutional challenges, putting immense pressure on Congress and the Supreme Court to respond to a rogue executive branch.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • Shifting gears, my PGA TOUR betting record this season is a disgrace.
    Geoff Clark OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
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
Noun
  • According to Ronan, many individuals arrive at treatment carrying significant emotional burdens that include shame, disappointment, trauma, and self-doubt.
    K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • The conditions that drive transmission — silence, shame, and avoidance — remain largely unchanged.
    Rasheed Gonga, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • This ancient poem isn’t interested in scolding women for their sexuality, but in the establishment of honor in the elite household.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 June 2026
  • Davis remembered once being scolded as a teenager by her mother after being caught speaking poorly of a classmate.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 23 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
  • The South Dakota Republican Party on Friday voted down a measure to censure Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) after the Senate failed to advance the SAVE America Act.
    Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2026
  • The two were censured and expelled from the International City/County Managers Association for ethics code violations.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • But getting out of military service remains controversial in South Korea, and last week, a minor scandal intruded on the usual rhythms of the World Cup.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
  • Many who departed Adams' administration under a cloud of scandal — often after having their devices seized and homes searched by federal agents — have not faced charges.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Things like trying to disqualify the entire Utah County Attorney's Office, trying to get some of the evidence suppressed, trying to get a contempt order because the prosecutors violated the court's gag order.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • Graf held a hearing earlier this month over whether prosecutors should be held in contempt for their comments about the bullet.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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