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
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 Imagine Millennial filmmakers asserting a new neorealism to examine the intimate, fraternal, and familial relations of those infamous Martin, Brown, and Floyd reprobates. Armond White, National Review, 19 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • According to the latest 2024 Transparency International report, the Americas average 42 out of 100 points on a scale where 100 is very transparent and zero is very corrupt.
    Sofía Benavides, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • With the help of Landy and Nicky Parsons, Bourne goes up against Vosen (David Strathairn), the corrupt director of Operation Blackbriar.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Because the traits that make someone a hero in a story can easily lend themselves to being painted as a villain, too.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin play estranged old friends who reconnect at the funeral of a mutual friend, only to realize that their friend's dead husband was really the villain in all their lives.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Democrats have long conceded that the party needs a new vision after voters soundly rejected their presidential ticket last fall, and internal squabbles about the party’s future have spilled out into the public.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • China has rejected the accusation and accused the Philippines of damaging the coral reef ecosystem in the waterway instead.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The search giant has refused to license content from news organizations and publishers, while other AI labs have done licensing deals.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
  • For Jordan, that battle has meant staying grounded in his faith and refusing to let the disease isolate him.
    Essence, Essence, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Hoffman, the lawmaker who was shot and wounded in June, and his family also issued a statement denouncing Kirk’s death.
    Mark Vancleave, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Online posts, including one shared by the Idaho Freedom Foundation, a far-right think tank, denounced Berriochoa and prompted calls to the Department of Labor and even former employers and educators of Berriochoa.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Smoke will also lead to degraded air quality.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The challenge grows in degraded or denied GPS environments, where many existing bombs lose precision.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Mihály is a brute who mistreats his mother.
    Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Some are slow and heavy brutes that have tons of health while others are slightly but deal more damage.
    Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Alan Jackson, a lawyer for Joaquin, denied the charges.
    Luc Cohen, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • As press secretary, Jean-Pierre repeatedly denied reports regarding Biden’s mental fitness during his time in office.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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