rebuke

1 of 2

verb

re·​buke ri-ˈbyük 

rebuked; rebuking

transitive verb

1

a

: to criticize sharply : reprimand

b

: to serve as a rebuke to

2

archaic : to turn back or keep down : check

rebuker noun

rebuke

2 of 2

noun

: an expression of strong disapproval : reprimand

Synonyms

Verb

• admonish
• chide
• reprimand
• reproach
• reprove
• tick off

Noun

• censure
• commination
• condemnation
• denunciation
• excoriation
• objurgation
• reprimand
• reproach
• reproof
• riot act
• stricture

Choose the Right Synonym for rebuke

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

During the first Trump administration, former Mayor Lori Lightfoot also rebuked threats by the federal government to deploy the military in the face of civil unrest over the police murder of George Floyd. —Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025

In the current cases, courts have rebuked the administration, and several of the students have been released pending further proceedings. —Elizabeth N. Saunders, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025

Noun

Public-library supporters qualified for the June 10 special election two library measures that were meant as a rebuke to the council’s fixation on the city’s public-library system. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 18 June 2025

Penske's response is the first public rebuke by a major company against the group and the decision could affect its ability to rent trucks in the future. —Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French rebucher, rebouker to blunt, check, reprimand

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rebuke

• archduke
• caoutchouc
• fluke
• juke
• kook
• luc
• luke
• nuke
• puke
• souk
• spook

Kids Definition

rebuke

1 of 2 verb

re·​buke ri-ˈbyük 

rebuked; rebuking

: to criticize sharply

rebuke

2 of 2 noun

: an expression of strong disapproval