censure 1 of 2

censure

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3

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
Formal censures, reprimands, and removal from committee posts have become an increasingly common occurrence in the House recent years, as partisan tensions have soared. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 8 Mar. 2025 The trial committee recommended a private letter of censure and a bar on serving as a strike captain for three years. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
Fuhrer voted against accepting the report and motioned to rescind the resolution supervisors approved in December, which censured Fuhrer and came with a suite of actions, including blocking him from becoming board chair. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Republican politicians were quick to pile on after a clip of the quip circulated, with some calling for her to be censured. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for censure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for censure
Noun
  • It must be asked not as condemnation, but as a doorway to deeper understanding—of her, of ourselves, and of the social and emotional architecture that keeps so many of us bound in silence, shame, and survival.
    Shayla Brown, Essence, 19 May 2025
  • The death of Rajab, while one of thousands of children killed in Gaza since Israeli launched its military offensive following the terror attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7 2023, sparked global condemnation, with student protestors at Columbia University renaming overtaken buildings in honor of the victim.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The justices also reprimanded federal authorities for failing to provide the detainees with more due process under the Alien Enemies Act.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
  • One of the central conflicts begins when the cute five-year-old daughter, I-Jing (Nina Ye), is reprimanded by her otherwise aloof grandfather for being left-handed.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • In the Verizon and T-Mobile deals, the FCC only approved the transaction after each company agreed to end DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies criticized by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
  • Among those who criticized Levi's comments was Tony award-winning Broadway star Norbert Leo Butz, who slammed the actor for using Creel's death to promote an anti-vax agenda.
    Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • In discussing the Afrikaners, Trump will encourage Ramaphosa's government to condemn what the White House official described as incendiary rhetoric against them by politicians.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Prompted by a petition from white residents in 1924, the Manhattan City Beach council voted to condemn the land to build a public park, driving the Bruce family out of the area.
    Mariette Williams, Essence, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • According to Reuters, many locals have blamed the sites for creating an unsustainable rental environment, reducing housing supply and making rent unaffordable for locals.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Like with Michaels, HBO initially blamed Pilgrim for the accident, but later settled for £500,000 ($669,000), according to the stunt pro’s barrister.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • But the prime minister’s recalcitrance on the subject of a future Palestinian state, long a Saudi condition, is being faulted as one of the reasons Israel is missing out on this opportunity.
    Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 14 May 2025
  • Even after the jury’s verdict, Kirk’s supporters continued to fault Luna, and the controversy took a political turn as a growing number of conservative accounts chimed in.
    Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • The national opioid settlements punished pharmaceutical manufacturers and some pharmacies for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic, which began with prescription painkillers and ultimately morphed into fentanyl.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • And will Joe be punished by the jury for voting out his allies?
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Censure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/censure. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on censure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!