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
Verb
The campaign, however, was rebuked by the organization Veterans of Foreign Wars for being in poor taste, and America West soon after filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Richard Sandomir, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Ladapo has faced criticism before, including for statements on COVID-19 vaccinations that were rebuked by officials with the CDC and Food and Drug Administration. Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 Earlier this month, Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival on Israel's War Cabinet, met with U.S. officials in Washington without Netanyahu's authorization, leading the prime minister to rebuke Gantz, according to the Associated Press. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 Virginia’s state legislature last year rebuked a 15-week ban proposed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and in November voters flipped the House, giving Democrats control of both chambers. Sarah Owermohle, STAT, 7 Mar. 2024 In the devised dialogue, the doctor is seemingly passive and doesn’t appear to rebuke the AI. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Subramanian, of Bank of America, rebuked the notion that lofty investor sentiment has outpaced overall business performance. Max Zahn, ABC News, 27 Dec. 2023 But the Kremlin has denied any involvement in Navalny’s death, which has drawn global outrage, scrutiny and rebuke from other world leaders suspicious that Navalny was killed for his political opposition. James Farrell, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 But at the time, they were rebuked by former Obama officials who vouched for Jackson as an apolitical operator. Michael Kranish, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024
Noun
But in a measure of the increasingly chilly relationship between top U.S. leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this could be the first visit to the region without a stop in Israel — an extraordinary rebuke of Washington’s closest ally in the Middle East. Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 Almost exactly two years later, the BBC noted dozens of fake Musk videos advertising crypto scams, earning a public rebuke from the actual Musk himself. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 Mar. 2024 More on Iran Parliamentary Elections: Iranians delivered a stinging rebuke to the country’s ruling conservatives in the parliamentary election on March 1, as millions boycotted the vote and a far-right faction made striking gains. Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 The warning issued by Council head Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira) so enrages one of Toranaga's soldiers (Yuki Takao), the tense meeting almost explodes into bloodshed — until Toranaga, a man who vows never to break a peace, scolds his vassal with a fearsome rebuke. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2024 In a historic rebuke, the House impeached Mayorkas 214-213. Lisa Mascaro, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2024 The state has also sought to punish Wall Street banks for policies that limit work with gun and fossil-fuel industries, drawing a rebuke last year from JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s Jamie Dimon, who said those moves were putting the state’s business-friendly reputation at risk. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2024 Tuesday’s primary in the crucial swing state of Michigan may deliver a symbolic rebuke to the president’s handling of the Gaza crisis. Tribune News Service, Orange County Register, 27 Feb. 2024 The drama led to a rebuke from Supervisor Steve Gallardo, the board's lone Democrat. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rebuke.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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

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