rebuke

verb

re·buke | \ ri-ˈbyük

rebuked; rebuking

Definition of rebuke

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to criticize sharply : reprimand

b : to serve as a rebuke to

2 archaic : to turn back or keep down : check

rebuke

noun

Definition of rebuke (Entry 2 of 2)

: an expression of strong disapproval : reprimand

Other Words from rebuke Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about rebuke

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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

While candidates like Warren have made policy plans a centerpiece of their campaign, Biden has focused on rebuking Trump. — Aidan Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, "For some young N.H. voters, Biden doesn’t share their progressive values," 13 July 2019 Those big Afros were a way to express their pride in being black, and their determination to rebuke American beauty standards, which prized light skin and straight hair over all else. — Caille Millner, SFChronicle.com, "Black hairstyles, like the people who wear them, shouldn’t suffer discrimination," 12 July 2019 Something clicked—maybe the natural appeal of rebuking an ignorant President with a barrage of footnotes, maybe the realization that, despite some fears to the contrary, Warren wasn’t at all like Hillary Clinton. — Benjamin Wallace-wells, The New Yorker, "At the Democratic Debate, Elizabeth Warren’s Reformism Versus Trump’s Moral Crisis," 27 June 2019 Commissioner Jerry Carl was the only commissioner last week not to rebuke Benson. — al.com, "LGBTQ push for non-discrimination ordinance in Mobile will require city, not county, support," 24 June 2019 Some black lawmakers objected to their colleagues’ haste in rebuking an African-American lawmaker. — Ron Kampeas, sun-sentinel.com, "Lawmakers launch congressional black-Jewish caucus," 4 June 2019 After a number of Republicans sided with Democrats to rebuke the White House for a plan seen as too favorable to Moscow, the measure cleared an early procedural move in the Senate by a 57-42 vote. — Ian Talley, WSJ, "Senate Advances Measure to Block Rusal’s Dropping From Sanctions List," 15 Jan. 2019 So the Senate has now twice rebuked Trump’s abuse (or, in the case of Iran, threatened abuse) of the warmaking authority. — Greg Sargent, The Denver Post, "Sargent: Half the Senate told Trump not to abuse war powers against Iran," 28 June 2019 Last year, the African Union rebuked Mauritania for failing to adequately enforce its anti-slavery laws and prosecute the perpetrators. — Yomi Kazeem, Quartz Africa, "Mauritania is set for its first ever peaceful transfer of power since independence," 24 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Another invitee, Ben Garrison, has published cartoons that have drawn sharp rebukes from the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center for including hateful text and imagery. — Anchorage Daily News, "Trump looks to rally controversial online allies at White House social media summit," 10 July 2019 Another invitee, Ben Garrison, has published cartoons that have drawn sharp rebukes from the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center for including hateful text and imagery. — Amy B Wang, Washington Post, "Trump looks to rally controversial online allies at White House social media summit," 9 July 2019 As if in rebuke to Mapplethorpe, the exhibit also includes a self-portrait by Paul Mpagi Sepuya. — Susan Dunne, courant.com, "‘Be Seen’: Portraits reclaiming the gay experience at Wadsworth Atheneum," 26 June 2019 But the admonition appeared less a stern rebuke than a sarcastic joke between friends, one that provoked laughter in the room. — Eli Stokols, latimes.com, "‘Don’t meddle in the election,’ Trump tells Putin with a smile," 28 June 2019 Failure to act could bring a swift political rebuke and accusations of ignoring the plight of innocent immigrant children who are living in overcrowded, often inadequate federal facilities. — Andrew Taylor, BostonGlobe.com, "Senate passes $4.6 billion border aid bill," 26 June 2019 Companies such as Marriott, Zara, and Delta have faced rebuke for referring to areas including Taiwan, Tibet, and Hong Kong as independent countries. — Marc Bain, Quartz, "Nike reportedly halted a shoe release in China after its co-designer supported Hong Kong protesters," 26 June 2019 Agencies are about to run out of money and failure to act could bring a swift political rebuke and accusations of ignoring the plight of innocent immigrant children. — Andrew Taylor, Fortune, "$4.5 Billion Border Aid Bill Sets Up Showdown With Republican-Led Senate," 26 June 2019 The death of Khashoggi, who had written critically about the Saudi government, sparked an international backlash and unanimous rebuke from the U.S. Senate, but Trump has resisted reprimanding his Saudi allies. — oregonlive.com, "Ron Wyden: If Trump admin won’t release report on Jamal Khashoggi slaying, then I will," 24 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.