1
as in disgrace
a cause of shame
your public display of boorish behavior is a reproach to this entire school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in condemnation
an often public or formal expression of disapproval
a letter of reproach was added to her dossier
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in shame
the state of having lost the esteem of others
nothing the traitor did in later life lessened the reproach in which he was universally held
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
our neighbor loudly reproached us for tromping through his yard
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reprimand
to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault
she cleared her throat as a way of reproaching us for having our elbows on the table
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to censure
to express public or formal disapproval of
the governor reproached the legislature for failing to pass the budget on time and once again throwing the state into fiscal chaos
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reproach
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
Willander’s tools are beyond reproach.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025
During her tenure, she was openly critiqued for her lack of political knowledge and reproached for her Christian-fundamentalist views on evolution.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reproach
Noun
Keep yourself above reproach for the next week to avoid getting tarnished by association.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
Willander’s tools are beyond reproach.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
Michelle exists on a level that is invulnerable to reproach, termination, or cancellation.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025
During her tenure, she was openly critiqued for her lack of political knowledge and reproached for her Christian-fundamentalist views on evolution.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reproach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproach
Noun
-
One of them was Varga, who resigned from parliament in disgrace.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
-
Both Paul, a star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives whose bid at The Bachelorette ended in controversy and disgrace, and Mortensen had asked for restraining orders from one another.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The country’s recent bombardment of Lebanon, killing thousands in response to Hezbollah strikes launched after joint US-Israeli strikes assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also drawn widespread condemnation internationally.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
-
Bowie’s back-to-back conflicts with legislative aides have drawn quiet condemnation from some City Hall staff, who have questioned her handling of sensitive workplace situations while celebrating women, diversity and public service.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Traits once seen as stabilizing — empathy, humility, shame — are recast as liabilities in a world that prizes speed, dominance and certainty.—
Sarah DaVanzo,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
-
Emotions such as guilt, shame, and jealousy may also reflect underlying concerns, relationships, or values.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
The feeling was less substantial, more childish, like expecting someone to walk in and scold you for doing something wrong and not knowing where to hide.—
Francesco Pacifico,
The Dial,
12 May 2026
-
Stumbling on to this ruse, Antoine’s friend and manager Armand (Gilles Lellouche) immediately can tell Suzanne is a fake and scolds her for exploiting his friend’s grief.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Years ago, a Saudi royal court official reprimanded me for describing the kingdom as a land of conditional opportunity.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
7 May 2026
-
Israeli leaders later disavowed the incident and said that he would be reprimanded, and assisted local residents in replacing the statue.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Days after four Republican candidates withdrew from the upcoming Platte County election and launched independent campaigns, the county’s Republican committee announced plans to censure those candidates and deem them unwelcome within the party.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
-
He was censured twice by the City Council.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Rival candidates of both parties have repeatedly brought up the scandal during debates.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2026
-
More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham (Tennant) is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponizing scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
On one side is challenger Holly Cook, who has filed for bankruptcy twice, been held in contempt of court on nine counts, been pursued by multiple collections agencies and once was labeled a vexatious litigant, court records showed.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
13 May 2026
-
Betty repeatedly left lewd messages on the newlywed couple’s answering machine, to the point that Dan threatened to file criminal contempt charges, The Times reported at the time.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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