Definition of REBUKE

Choose the Right Synonym for rebuke

Verb

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 rebuke in a Sentence

Verb

the father was forced to rebuke his son for the spendthrift ways he had adopted since arriving at college strongly rebuked the girl for playing with matches

Noun

delivered a stinging rebuke to the Congress, calling for an end to backstabbing and arguing

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Dozens of musicians signed a petition in 2016 rebuking free music services and pushing for Congress to make YouTube more responsible for policing copyright violations. — Bloomberg.com, "YouTube's Support for Musicians Comes With a Catch," 23 Jan. 2018 The president's tweet earlier this week basically chastising, rebuking Attorney General Sessions for bringing the prosecution on charges of corruption against tow GOP House members. — Fox News, "Pence on impact of anonymous NYT op-ed, Woodward's new book," 9 Sep. 2018 The track, which was released today (Monday, July 23), features the rapper rebuking those who have accused him of allegedly holding women captive, Variety reported. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "People Are Rightfully Calling R. Kelly Out for Writing a 19-Minute Song Denying Sexual Misconduct Allegations," 23 July 2018 Many of the actors on the show publicly rebuked Barr following her tweet, which could have alienated them from fans. — Chris Morris, Fortune, "ABC's 'Roseanne' Spinoff —Without Roseanne—Is Already Facing Backlash," 22 June 2018 On the eve of the meeting, America also targeted China, with top Treasury Department official David Malpass rebuking Beijing for moving away from free-market capitalism. — Bloomberg.com, "Day One at the G-20: Where We Stand on Top World Economic Issues," 19 Mar. 2018 Aly Raisman, a three-time Olympic gold medalist assaulted by the doctor, publicly rebuked the committee for failing to spot and stop the abuse, and for not reaching out to the victims once it was made known. — USA TODAY, "At the #metoo Olympics, organizers confront sexual abuse," 12 Feb. 2018 The candidate, who’s running against Republican incumbent Elise Stefanik in New York's 21st Congressional District, in the northernmost part of the state, was rebuked by others for her silence on the issue in the public. — Lukas Mikelionis, Fox News, "New York Dem running for US House seat backs gun ban -- but won't say so publicly," 11 July 2018 Oprah disinvited him from her show in response, and Franzen was rebuked on all sides for his ingratitude and his luck and his privilege. — New York Times, "Jonathan Franzen Is Fine With All of It," 26 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But there is simply no question that in giving the onetime Vietnam POW a hero's sendoff, many journalists and commentators are delivering an implicit rebuke of Trump. — Howard Kurtz, Fox News, "Media use John McCain's death to denigrate Donald Trump," 28 Aug. 2018 Trump had proposed a broad, all-encompassing Muslim ban during the presidential campaign in 2015, drawing swift rebukes from Republicans as well as Democrats. — Mark Sherman, The Seattle Times, "High court OKs Trump’s travel ban, rejects Muslim bias claim," 26 June 2018 The actor later deleted the tweet and drew sharp rebukes from first lady Melania Trump and Donald Trump Jr. — CBS News, ""I went way too far": Peter Fonda apologizes for Barron Trump tweet," 21 June 2018 Earlier this month, Trump proposed that the G-7 group of industrial nations re-admit Russia as a member, a suggestion that drew rebukes from some U.S. allies. — David M. Jackson, USA TODAY, "White House, Kremlin officials lay plans for Trump-Putin summit as John Bolton heads to Moscow," 21 June 2018 Garcia's homophobic remark drew earlier rebukes from other lawmakers and Equality California, a LGBQT civil rights organization. — Taryn Luna And Alexei Koseff, sacbee, "'Campaign will continue' against California lawmaker after harassment investigation ends | The Sacramento Bee," 18 May 2018 But his second ad drew rebukes from fellow Republicans. — Greg Bluestein, ajc, "Today is the last day of early voting in Georgia: Catch up on the governor’s race.," 18 May 2018 The move drew rebukes from social conservatives and prominent Democrats, including gay-rights icons and Newsom's political mentors. — Shelby Grad, latimes.com, "Essential California: Fears of a deadlier opioid threat," 15 May 2018 His statement drew angry rebukes from the crowd and shouting match with a couple Steel City teachers. — Carole Carlson, Post-Tribune, "'Gary is not a dump': Maya meeting on proposed waste facility shut down, moved after protests," 11 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rebuke.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.