reprobate 1 of 3

reprobate

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noun

reprobate

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprobate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprobate are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprehend. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

When would censure be a good substitute for reprobate?

The words censure and reprobate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When could condemn be used to replace reprobate?

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

condemned the government's racial policies

Where would criticize be a reasonable alternative to reprobate?

The words criticize and reprobate can be used in similar contexts, but criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How are the words denounce and condemn related as synonyms of reprobate?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When might reprehend be a better fit than reprobate?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprobate, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

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 reprobate
Adjective
That’s when Regina’s sardonic sister (Wanda Skyes, the show’s co-creator) steps in and lets him and his reprobate pals have it. Jeanne Jakle, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Apr. 2021 For reference, consider the late, reprobate Southwest Conference. Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 13 Jan. 2020
Noun
Like many of Anderson’s protagonists, Gustave is a reprobate of the first order, romancing old ladies for their fortunes and such. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 No decent person, let alone a political movement downstream of the biblical, Judeo-Christian tradition, as American conservatism necessarily is, should lift a finger to welcome such a wretched reprobate to our shores or shield him from justice. Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • Which makes Shelley Joseph today’s poster gal for the corrupt double standards in the Massachusetts legal system.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Trump is running the most brazenly corrupt administration in modern history.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • This year’s furry green villain is more funny than scary, his behavior unthreatening, his confrontational manner with the Whos never feeling particularly dangerous.
    Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The cast picture also included Brett Gelman, Priah Ferguson, Cara Buono, Amybeth McNulty and Jamie Campbell Bower, the latter who joined the cast in season 4 as the show's villain, Vecna.
    Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • And the British nations, as ever, remained aloof, England rejecting a late offer to step in for Austria.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Democrats are pushing to extend soon-to-expire health care tax credits and reverse earlier Medicaid cuts, but Republicans have rejected those proposals.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The world’s diplomats must refuse to seat or recognise Min Aung Hlaing or his representatives at any summit or ministerial meeting.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Some of the girls were hired as servants in the homes of higher-status Burghers, though Rustin refused on principle to consider it.
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But in a shocker move in September 1983, Joe Strummer kicked guitarist Mick Jones out of the band, denouncing his former mate as a rock-star sellout.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Anger and apology Bosch, who was crowned Miss Universe Mexico earlier this year, denounced Nawat for insulting her.
    Anabella González, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement Restoring degraded land offers similar payoffs.
    Kaveh Zahedi, Time, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Previous studies relied on a process known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies small or degraded fragments of DNA, allowing scientists to analyze genetic material even from old or damaged organic matter.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Among the colorful cast of rogues, villains, queens and clergymen, Andre The Giant stands out as the young suitor’s kind-hearted but stupid brute.
    Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
  • An extermination of the brutes in the Middle East, presided over by Obama’s successors, has been followed by a swift cancellation by Trumpian decree of the postracial age.
    Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Despite vocal support from Aspire Capitol Heights families and a concerted effort from school leaders to prove that the school’s fiscal and academic issues could be solved, the board voted 4-1 to deny the school’s charter renewal.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • My mother has been denied access to medical care, the right to speak, and every basic human freedom.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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