reproach

noun re·proach \ ri-ˈprōch \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of reproach

1 : an expression of rebuke or disapproval

2 : the act or action of reproaching or disapproving

was beyond reproach

3 a : a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace

b : discredit, disgrace

4 obsolete : one subjected to censure or scorn

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reproachful

play \ri-ˈprōch-fəl\ adjective

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reproachfully

play \ri-ˈprōch-fə-lē\ adverb

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reproachfulness

noun

See reproach defined for English-language learners

See reproach defined for kids

Examples of reproach in a Sentence

A bug in the logic of a design, though discovered and fixed in the lab, stands as a slight reproach to the designer. —Tracy Kidder, The Soul of a New Machine, 1981
Yes, he told them, when he came, it was quite true that they would have to pay interest. And then Teta Elzbieta broke forth into protestations and reproaches, so that the people outside stopped and peered in at the window. —Upton Sinclair, The Jungle, 1906
"He's the finest boy in England," the father said in a tone of reproach to her, "and you don't seem to care for him, Becky, as much as you do for your spaniel. … " —William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, 1847
She looked at him with reproach.
Accusations and reproaches from both parties made it difficult to pursue discussions.
His conduct has brought shame and reproach to his family.

Recent Examples of reproach from the Web

In 2007, Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang faced congressional reproach for his company’s role in the jailing of Chinese journalist Shi Tao.

— daniel fernandez, Smithsonian, "Before Zuckerberg, These Six Corporate Titans Testified Before Congress," 10 Apr. 2018
Not that members of the federal bureaucracy are above reproach.

— linda feldmann, The Christian Science Monitor, "Is Trump draining the swamp – or is the water rising?," 6 Apr. 2018
Customer service, at the concession stands and the entrance gates, in the wondrous new merchandise building and on the course itself, is beyond reproach.

— gary d'amato, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "D'Amato: What makes Masters special? A million things, big and small," 4 Apr. 2018
The Russian leader’s popularity remains high despite his suppression of dissent and reproach from the West over Russia’s increasingly aggressive stance in world affairs and alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. election.

— vladimir isachenkov and jim heintz, BostonGlobe.com, "Exit polls suggest Putin easily wins re-election," 18 Mar. 2018
And Mayfield’s work ethic is beyond reproach, and his coaches and teammates love him.

— albert breer, SI.com, "NFL Draft Quarterback Class: The Holes, the Hype and How the Combine Performances Will Factor," 1 Mar. 2018
On the recent Brighter Wounds (City Slang), their craftsmanship is beyond reproach, but jazz and classical make their presence felt only as sources of harmonic complexity—and sometimes the music's pop impulses would benefit from a shorter leash.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "Music / Post No Bills New York trio Son Lux combine sophisticated craft and overplayed pop on their frustratingly great new album," 28 Mar. 2018
All students deserve the opportunity to speak out without fear of reproach or retribution.

— refinery29.com, "The School Walkout Was A Powerful, But Privileged Protest," 19 Mar. 2018
Moshe wanted to be beyond reproach in his work with the Mishkan.

— rabbi avi weiss, Jewish Journal, "Weiss: The preservation of public trust," 5 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reproach.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of reproach

Middle English reproche, from Anglo-French, from reprocher to reproach, from Vulgar Latin *repropiare to bring close, show, from Latin re- + prope near — more at approach

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

reproach Synonyms

reproach

verb re·proach \ ri-ˈprōch \

Definition of reproach

transitive verb

1 : to express disappointment in or displeasure with (a person) for conduct that is blameworthy or in need of amendment

2 : to make (something) a matter of reproach

3 : to bring into discredit

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reproachable

play \ri-ˈprō-chə-bəl\ adjective

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reproacher

noun

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reproachingly

play \ri-ˈprō-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

See reproach defined for English-language learners

Examples of reproach in a Sentence

Parents and teachers gaped at the young writers, uncertain whether to reproach or praise these young adults for their language in writing about decidedly adult issues. —Tobi Jacobi, English Journal, March 2007
For years I fretted over these questions and reproached myself for not having taken that diary when it was offered to me in 1945. —John Hope Franklin, Race and History, 1989
She did not reproach herself with her failure; but she would have been happier if there had been less discrepancy between her words to Sophy Viner and the act which had followed them. —Edith Wharton, The Reef, 1912
our neighbor loudly reproached us for tromping through his yard
she cleared her throat as a way of reproaching us for having our elbows on the table