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

• censure
• commination
• condemnation
• denunciation
• excoriation
• objurgation
• rebuke
• reproach
• reproof
• riot act
• stricture

Verb

• baste
• bawl out
• berate
• call down
• castigate
• chastise
• chew out
• dress down
• flay
• hammer
• jaw
• keelhaul
• lambaste
• lambast
• lecture
• rag
• rail (at or against)
• rant (at)
• rate
• ream (out)
• rebuke
• reproach
• scold
• score
• tongue-lash
• upbraid

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

After threatening to ask a judge to declare Microsoft in contempt, the company did eventually provide the data in mid-February–long after its original two-week deadline–thus avoiding any reprimand. —Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

The Judicial Qualifications Commission in April recommended that Moon receive a public reprimand and pay a fine of $2,115, the amount of the political contributions. —News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 7 May 2025

Verb

The Doctor, who has clearly been keeping tabs on Earth, brings Conrad into the TARDIS to reprimand him for betraying Ruby and using people’s fears and insecurity for his own gain. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 3 May 2025

The vote to reprimand Vaughn was 6-1, with Vaughn in opposition. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 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