rebuke

1 of 2

verb

re·​buke ri-ˈbyük How to pronounce rebuke (audio)
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
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Foreign Policy Earlier this week, Cheney rebuked GOP vice presidential nominee Ohio Sen. JD Vance for his attacks on former officials who served in Donald Trump's White House. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Ellis said the story lacked necessary context about GLAAD's work, a claim that the Times rebuked. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
Johnson was nodding to the widening fallout from his administration’s tug-of-war for control of Chicago Public Schools, which landed him a rebuke from a whopping 41 out of 50 aldermen, including a majority of the Progressive Caucus, which has been his staunchest bloc of City Council allies. Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 21 Oct. 2024 Earlier this week, the U.S. made one if its most serious rebukes of Israel when two leaders sent a letter to Israeli leaders threatening the U.S. could cut military aid if Israel doesn’t take steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza in 30 days. Brian Bushard, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rebuke 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rebuke was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rebuke

Cite this Entry

“Rebuke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebuke. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rebuke

1 of 2 verb
re·​buke ri-ˈbyük How to pronounce rebuke (audio)
rebuked; rebuking
: to criticize sharply

rebuke

2 of 2 noun
: an expression of strong disapproval

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuke

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!