reprimand

verb

reprimanded; reprimanding; reprimands

transitive verb

: to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority

Synonyms of reprimand

• scold
• lecture

Choose the Right Synonym for reprimand

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 reprimand in a Sentence

The soldiers were severely reprimanded.

reprimanded the summer intern for her constant tardiness

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this week, Scott Agness claimed his press credentials were revoked by the team after his reporting led to the WNBA reprimanding the Fever for not being transparent about Clark’s health status during a game on May 20. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

Behind closed doors, ProPublica revealed, the majority-Republican state Supreme Court quashed the commission’s recommendations that two Republican judges who’d admitted to committing egregious conduct violations be publicly reprimanded. —Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 5 June 2026

The employee has been reprimanded. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 3 June 2026

That reprimand — for insubordination — eventually led to Rosen’s departure from the office in March. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reprimand

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland

Kids Definition

reprimand

1 of 2 noun

rep·​ri·​mand ˈrep-rə-ˌmand 

: a severe or formal criticism

reprimand

2 of 2 verb

: to criticize (a person) severely especially from a position of authority