reprimand

1 of 2

noun

rep·​ri·​mand ˈre-prə-ˌmand 

: a severe or formal reproof

reprimand

2 of 2

verb

reprimanded; reprimanding; reprimands

transitive verb

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

Synonyms of reprimand

Noun

• condemnation
• censure

Verb

• 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

Noun

while reviewing the troops, the officer delivered a curt reprimand to one of the soldiers

Verb

The soldiers were severely reprimanded.

reprimanded the summer intern for her constant tardiness

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some activist investors had said that even a 5% vote against Manifold would have marked a severe reprimand, particularly after a historic 24% vote against outgoing chair Helge Lund last year. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 26 May 2026

Now, the conference, with a nudge from Ole Miss officials, is discussing whether to issue a public reprimand against Kiffin for his comments made in a Vanity Fair piece that did not sit well in Oxford. —Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026

Verb

Yeboah was being reprimanded for an incident in Wednesday’s training session, but the exact circumstances are not yet known. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026

In this production, the Hispanic Romeo can only speak his native tongue at home and is reprimanded by his cousin Benvolio for daring to do so anywhere else. —Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French réprimande, from Latin reprimenda, feminine of reprimendus, gerundive of reprimere to check — more at repress

First Known Use

Noun

1636, in the meaning defined above

Verb

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