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
By the end, Gabriel has kindly rebuked her advances and is ready to jump on a plane to Rome to win Emily back—although Emily doesn’t know that yet. Lucy Ford, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024 The Republican vice presidential nominee also rebuked Walz over his recent dodging of a question related to the six hostages held by Hamas who died over the last week. Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Sep. 2024
Noun
Massey was shot in the face while standing in her kitchen in July, and the former sheriff's deputy who shot her was charged with murder in a case that has drawn national rebuke to police response to mental health crises and hiring practices for law enforcement. Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2024 The vote was also a rebuke to Holden and union negotiators, who recommended that workers approve the contract offer. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rebuke 

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 6 Oct. 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
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