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

Longtime state senator and Chair of Senate Finance and Appropriations Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth – perhaps the boldest opponent of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin through the 2024 General Assembly session – squarely rebuked the shooting on X and expressed concern for the former president. —Morgan Sweeney | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 July 2024

Tai and Biden have continued many of Trump’s tariffs from his term, in defiance of World Trade Organization (WTO) rebukes. —Dylan Matthews, Vox, 27 June 2024

Noun

In short order, though, she was tasked with adjudicating the initial collection of evidence from Mar-a-Lago, earning a rebuke from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals for her acquiescence to arguments made by Trump’s legal team. —Philip Bump, Washington Post, 15 July 2024

The House passed Thursday's rebuke of the rule on a party-line vote, 210 for and 205 against. —Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 11 July 2024

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

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