censure 1 of 2

Definition of censurenext

censure

2 of 2

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

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
Kelly is suing the Pentagon to challenge its censure of him and its effort to reduce his rank because of his participation in the video. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026 Across Europe, officials have had to resign or face censure after the Epstein files revealed relationships that were more extensive than previously disclosed. Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
In addition to seeking charges, the Department of Defense pursued its own response to Kelly, hitting a roadblock when a judge last week blocked the Pentagon’s efforts to censure him and lower his retirement rank. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 19 Feb. 2026 Hegseth also censured Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, after the retired Navy captain published a video urging troops to refuse unlawful orders. Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for censure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for censure
Noun
  • Shane referenced last year’s Aspen Place condemnation housing disaster in Gardner that left nearly 700 people homeless within 48 hours.
    Lynne Hermansen, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The City Council voted Wednesday to pay the money to settle a 2025 condemnation lawsuit to acquire land near the old Dallas Morning News campus from a company owned by developer Ray Washburne.
    Everton Bailey Jr, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • According to The Associated Press, LaBeouf was reprimanded for allegedly yelling homophobic slurs while hitting multiple people near the French Quarter last week.
    Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 28 Feb. 2026
  • The General Assembly voted unanimously to reprimand Jalisi in 2019 for chronic abuse of staff and creating a toxic work environment.
    Bryan P. Sears, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But there were also reports of protests in some parts of Iran on Sunday denouncing the war and calling for retribution.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Paris also saw a small counter-protest Sunday by left-wing groups denouncing ″American imperialism″ and warning of broader war.
    Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Immediately, Lilian criticized herself for being too bleak, protesting on behalf of those who were inadvertently encompassed by her thoughts.
    Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Immediately following the strikes, most Democrats and some Republicans criticized the president for authorizing strikes without a vote from Congress and without, in their view, directly making the case to Americans.
    Ford McCracken, ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The California Democrat condemned ICE enforcement operations in Los Angeles and beyond that have resulted in the deaths of citizens.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The president solemnly condemned political violence—the same president who ended his first term by inciting a mob to sack Congress and overturn an election.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The assassination attempt was blamed on the Mujahideen-e Khalq, an Iranian militant group that killed President Mohammed Ali Rajai and four other top officials in another bombing two months later.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Human agency absorbs blame but rarely prevents the error.
    Big Think, Big Think, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In the political aftermath, former and current leadership seized on the incident to fault Mamdani’s leadership, saying the mayor’s earlier criticisms of the NYPD had fostered a climate of disrespect for law enforcement.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Feb. 2026
  • D'Souza said the group understands delays and cancellations, but faulted the communication.
    Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Commissioner Abe Laydon said during the business meeting Tuesday that the ordinance was not meant to punish retailers but to keep the community safe.
    John Aguilar, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Roebuck finished with 29 points and was punishing the Wolverines with his strength driving and drawing fouls.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Censure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/censure. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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