rebuke

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

Synonyms of rebuke

• reprimand
• admonish
• scold
• criticize
• blame

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

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The pope has fiercely criticized joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and rebuked world leaders for invoking religious language to rationalize war and voiced opposition to the administration’s immigration crackdown. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 10 June 2026

Last year, however, Warsh voiced support for lower interest rates, rebuking the Fed's concern about inflation risk posed by a flurry of new tariffs. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 June 2026

The conservative Justices rewarded this strategy, rebuking not Alabama but the lower court for not being deferential enough to a state that had repeatedly demonstrated its determination to delay and obstruct. —Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Judge Penney Azcarate rebuked Banfield in remarks. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 6 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French rebucher, rebouker to blunt, check, reprimand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for rebuke

• archduke
• caoutchouc
• fluke
• juke
• kook
• luc
• luke
• nuke
• puke
• souk
• spook

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