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 : to turn back or keep down : check

rebuke

noun

Definition of rebuke (Entry 2 of 2)

: an expression of strong disapproval : reprimand

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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

The statement unequivocally rebuked Russia for a long list of old and new misdeeds. — The Economist, "The American president lambasts his allies," 12 July 2018 But House Speaker Paul Ryan rebuked Trump on that claim, agreeing with GOP Rep. Trey Gowdy's assessment that the FBI didn't do anything wrong in regards to the confidential source. — Doug Criss, CNN, "5 things for June 7: Justice Department, Alice Johnson, China, immigration, airfare," 7 June 2018 Many in Carbondale have rebuked him and the faculty senate overwhelmingly passed a vote of no confidence this week. — Dawn Rhodes, chicagotribune.com, "Southern Illinois University president ousted amid swirling controversy," 13 July 2018 In April, high commissioners from all of the Caribbean Commonwealth nations rebuked the UK government over the scandal, the British home secretary resigned, and the Home Office assembled a Windrush task force. — Kaila Philo, The New Republic, "The Caribbean Immigrants Who Transformed Britain," 22 June 2018 Moments later, the hearing was paused so the entire House could vote on a measure to publicly rebuke the deputy attorney general. — Washington Post, BostonGlobe.com, "Republicans berate deputy attorney general, demand that he end Russia probe," 29 June 2018 According to the Hall of Fame, Owens is the first player to publicly rebuke his own induction, which will take place Aug. 4. — Rob Tornoe, Philly.com, "Terrell Owens makes 'unprecedented' move to rebuke the NFL Hall of Fame," 7 June 2018 Thursday's march was one of several Washington demonstrations this week to rebuke Trump's immigration policies. — Marissa J. Lang, latimes.com, "Hundreds of women rally in Washington to protest 'zero-tolerance' immigration policy," 28 June 2018 Thursday's march was one of several Washington, D.C., demonstrations this week to rebuke Trump's immigration policies. — Marissa J. Lang, chicagotribune.com, "More than 500 arrested as women rally in D.C. to protest Trump's immigration policy," 28 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

To comply, bankers may have to limit shareholder payouts—the same effect as failing the test today, but with a less explicit public rebuke. — Ryan Tracy, WSJ, "Banks Failing Stress Tests? Not for Much Longer," 26 June 2018 That decision has been met with resounding rebuke from human rights activists, including Phelim Kine of Human Rights Watch. — Fernando Alfonso Iii, Houston Chronicle, "Heartbreaking photos tell grim stories of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs," 12 Apr. 2018 Both fierce and folksy, Huggins commands a press conference like Bill Parcells, capable of cutting up reporters with a witticism or cutting them down with a rebuke. — Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, "A mellower Bob Huggins still winning big at West Virginia," 22 Mar. 2018 To issue a subtle but stinging rebuke of Trump and those of his cohorts who pushed conspiracy theories about Awan. — Aaron Blake, Washington Post, "Trump’s own Justice Department reprimands his conspiracy theorizing," 3 July 2018 The Senate approved a resolution Wednesday that aims to undo a sweeping act of deregulation undertaken last year by the Federal Communications Commission, issuing a rebuke to the Trump administration, which supported the FCC’s move. — Brian Fung, Philly.com, "Senate approves bipartisan resolution to restore FCC net neutrality rules," 16 May 2018 The Senate approved a resolution Wednesday that aims to undo a sweeping act of deregulation undertaken last year by the Federal Communications Commission, issuing a rebuke to the Trump administration, which supported the FCC's move. — The Washington Post, OregonLive.com, "Senate votes to restore net neutrality," 16 May 2018 Making a Statement Just like in real life, Harry issued a scathing rebuke of the press and public for their treatment of Meghan. — Michele Corriston, PEOPLE.com, "Prince Harry & Meghan Markle: The Funniest Reactions to Lifetime's Movie About the Royal Couple," 13 May 2018 In late 2016, Harry issued a rare rebuke to the press, condemning the racial undertones of some articles. — Jonathan Shenfield, The Christian Science Monitor, "Black Britons find meaningful symbolism in Meghan Markle's royal marriage," 8 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.