reprimand

1 of 2

noun

rep·​ri·​mand ˈre-prə-ˌmand 

: a severe or formal reproof

reprimand

2 of 2

verb

reprimanded; reprimanding; reprimands

transitive verb

: to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority

Synonyms

Noun

• condemnation
• censure

Verb

• scold
• lecture

Choose the Right Synonym for reprimand

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 reprimand in a Sentence

Noun

while reviewing the troops, the officer delivered a curt reprimand to one of the soldiers

Verb

The soldiers were severely reprimanded.

reprimanded the summer intern for her constant tardiness

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

However, he has now been handed a reprimand by the stewards for failing to slow under a yellow flag that was triggered after his teammate Lando Norris hit the wall at Turn 4. —Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025

Most job losses start at the district level, where teachers can face discipline that ranges from reprimands to outright termination. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2025

Verb

There is a form of right-of-center liberalism that is content with status hierarchies, that is very unhappy with anything that makes people feel reprimanded. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025

Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), threatened networks to reprimand Kimmel. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French réprimande, from Latin reprimenda, feminine of reprimendus, gerundive of reprimere to check — more at repress

First Known Use

Noun

1636, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1681, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reprimand

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland

Kids Definition

reprimand

1 of 2 noun

rep·​ri·​mand ˈrep-rə-ˌmand 

: a severe or formal criticism

reprimand

2 of 2 verb

: to criticize (a person) severely especially from a position of authority