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censure

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb censure differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of censure are condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When would condemn be a good substitute for censure?

The synonyms condemn and censure are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

When could criticize be used to replace censure?

The words criticize and censure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How do denounce and condemn relate to one another, in the sense of censure?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When can reprehend be used instead of censure?

In some situations, the words reprehend and censure are roughly equivalent. However, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Where would reprobate be a reasonable alternative to censure?

The meanings of reprobate and censure largely overlap; however, reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of censure
Noun
Mike Hallquist to make a motion for Seals's censure, which failed and was followed by cheering support by Seals' supporters. Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 26 Sep. 2025 The House voted to table the resolution 214-213, preventing it from moving to debate and a vote on the underlying censure, effectively ending Mace’s effort to formally reprimand Omar and remove her from committees. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Palestinian national cause can indeed be a magnet for anti-Semites looking for excuses to censure Jews or Israel, such as David Duke and Candace Owens. Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2025 On September 18, the House narrowly rejected the resolution to censure Omar over her remarks and social media posts following the assassination of Kirk. Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for censure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for censure
Noun
  • The ruling prompted swift condemnation from Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who released a video promising stricter deportation laws.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • By that time the show had provoked a wave of excited condemnation from commentators online who seemed most consistently offended by the bodysuit printed with the (hairy) image of a (totally) naked male body worn by a female model.
    Luke Leitch, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The board voted unanimously to reprimand Bowden.
    Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2025
  • More than a few times in that TV role, Long booked Punk in various matches, reprimanded him for on-television actions, or set up stipulations for his matches against opponents.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, also apologized to Epstein for publicly denouncing him.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2025
  • It was deployed there in April last year for drills, but Washington and Manila later decided to extend the deployment indefinitely—a move denounced by Beijing.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In recent months, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has repeatedly criticized Tucker Carlson.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canada on Saturday over a TV ad featuring footage of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The infamous two-part operation, which killed more than 40 people and injured another 3,400, was condemned by Lebanon, the United Nations and human rights NGOs, but also intrigued the world for its ingenuity.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The American Jewish Committee, one of the country’s most influential Jewish advocacy groups, took the unusual step of issuing a formal statement condemning Mamdani’s language.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If a new medication is to blame, switching drugs can sometimes help.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Gabriel may not be blamed for Cleveland's offensive struggles, but the Browns will have to explore what Sanders can bring to the field if Gabriel can't showcase more of an arm.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Wrexham could not be faulted for attacking intent.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • There is little to fault with .
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The tales explore how the people/rats/cats who inhabit the house are driven by selfish desires — and how they are subsequently rewarded or punished by a twist of fate.
    Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The crude oil imports flow through the Druzhba pipeline, which has been repeatedly attacked this summer by Ukrainian drones, in an effort by Kyiv to punish its neighbors for helping to fund Moscow’s war.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Censure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/censure. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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