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

Lew tells Curbed that the recent interest in postmodern design of the late ’70s and ’80s—which had an anything-goes attitude and rebuked the austerity and rigidity of modernism before it—influenced today’s explorations of oversized proportions. — Diana Budds, Curbed, "Cute furniture is a reprieve from our age of anxiety," 7 Aug. 2019 The statement was also a rejoinder to another one signed days earlier by more than 20 European and Western states including Britain, Germany, and Canada that rebuked China over the repression in Xinjiang. — Abdi Latif Dahir, Quartz Africa, "Why these African countries are defending China’s mass detention of Muslims," 15 July 2019 Nowadays, most young players show such a pronounced sense of reverence toward their elders that when Nick Kyrgios took to a podcast and rebuked the living daylights out of Djokovic and Nadal, the gesture felt borderline obscene. — Kevin Craft, The Atlantic, "What the Men Can Learn From the Women at Wimbledon," 2 July 2019 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan have all rebuked Trump's comments as racist. — Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, "Bill Weld: Trump is a 'raging racist,' GOP will be known as 'party of racism'," 25 July 2019 In truth, his presence doesn’t really rebuke Vic’s attitude so much as sanction it, granting the movie license to sink to the same level of crude, bludgeoning hostility. — Mark Olsen, latimes.com, "Indie Focus: Real lies and true emotions in ‘The Farewell’," 12 July 2019 In truth, his presence doesn’t really rebuke Vic’s attitude so much as sanction it, granting the movie license to sink to the same level of crude, bludgeoning hostility. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: ‘Stuber’ is a sloppy action-comedy that never surges to life," 11 July 2019 Why was this team rebuked repeatedly for its goal celebrations – at home and abroad – when NFL touchdowns for decades have been celebrated far more elaborately. — Gentry Estes, The Courier-Journal, "Through controversy and competition, U.S. women's soccer showed it's best," 8 July 2019 Writing for the majority, Justice Brett Kavanaugh rebuked the filmmakers’ legal logic. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "A Supreme Debate on Speech," 18 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The move prompted a rebuke from President Donald Trump, who in a post on Twitter accused the Chinese government of currency manipulation. — CBS News, "Dow tumbles more than 500 points as China trade war heats up," 5 Aug. 2019 The email prompted a sharp rebuke from Gloria, who said there doesn’t have to be a conflict between neighborhood character and building more housing. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Housing crisis emerges as key battle in San Diego mayor’s race," 1 July 2019 The exchange prompted rebukes of Warren and apologies to Esper from Republican senators on the committee. — Donovan Slack, USA TODAY, "Defense nominee Mark Esper focuses on modernization, takes fire from Elizabeth Warren," 18 June 2019 In another rebuke to Rauner, Pritzker signed a law in April that bans local governments from creating laws that prohibit employers and labor organizations from signing contracts requiring workers to join unions or pay dues. — Dan Petrella, chicagotribune.com, "New state workers’ contract signals ‘return to normalcy’ for unions under Gov. J.B. Pritzker," 24 June 2019 In a rebuke to Albayrak, former finance minister Ali Babacan is drawing up new economic-policy proposals to arrest the slide. — Jason Epstein, National Review, "Whoever Wins Istanbul’s Mayoral Election, There’s Trouble Ahead for Erdogan," 22 June 2019 In a rebuke to the arguments against suffrage that preceded her, Meredith laid out a stirring case for women’s right to vote. — Annika Neklason, The Atlantic, "How The Atlantic Covered the Fight for Women’s Suffrage," 4 June 2019 In his rebuke of the ambassador, Sir Kim Darroch, Mr. Trump came close to declaring him persona non grata — an extraordinary breach between the United States and one of its closest allies. — Mark Landler, New York Times, "Leaked British Cables Critical of Trump Lead to Diplomatic Uproar," 8 July 2019 Her sharp rebuke came during a hearing Tuesday in the case against McDonald. — Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, "Like 'Eliot Ness': Chief judge slams Baltimore detectives for interrogation in Taylor Hayes case," 5 June 2019

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.