reprobate 1 of 3

Definition of reprobatenext

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
Batiste is not a reprobate minstrel like late-night regular Lil Nas X; yet the weakness of both is held in equivalent esteem by the cultural mainstream. Armond White, National Review, 6 Apr. 2022 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
Noun
But Jaron had a new acquaintance—Nortal, an old reprobate who ran the town dump. Annie Proulx, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025 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
Verb
Gasoline is dirty, smelly, toxic, and environmentally reprobate. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • Well remember, there’s a corrupt shadow hanging over the Supreme Court.
    NBC news, NBC news, 10 May 2026
  • Voicer Chris Lee conjures a hypothetically corrupt fire inspection system to oppose battery storage.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Was that a conscious decision after the controversy surrounding past tweets that made some people see you as a villain during the Emilia Pérez Oscar campaign?
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
  • Angel Reese has never had a problem embracing the villain role.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • But Breakfield rejected that argument during sentencing.
    Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
  • Lower courts likely won't approve a measure that aims to circumvent a Supreme Court ruling and would probably reject any law that ties the provision of general government services to the behaviors of the recipients, Smith said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • To add to the sense of chaos, a ballboy refused to give the ball to Middlesbrough’s Matt Targett — who began his career at Southampton — which led to another flare-up.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • When Warren’s editor sent galleys of the book to William Faulkner, seeking a blurb, Faulkner refused.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Patrick, a Republican who is the Texas lieutenant governor, repeatedly denounced a concept that is embedded in Supreme Court precedent.
    Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • Patrick, a Republican who is the Texas lieutenant governor, repeatedly denounced a concept that is embedded in Supreme Court precedent.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • But in 2003, it was considered too degraded to be capable of producing a match using methods available at the time.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
  • And here was someone who was being completely humiliated, publicly humiliated, degraded, disgraced, handed a punishment that no member of the family has had — to have all their titles taken away, to be effectively un-royal, de-royaled.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Oscillating between a bumbling brute and an ironic ignoramus, Marvel Studios sees the God of Thunder more like the God of Blunder, kicking out the knees of the steady 2011 film in favour of single-digit IQ humour.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 6 May 2026
  • This time the closing hole was a brute, the toughest at Harbour Town on Sunday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Killingworth Fair Rent Commission denied a request from Sun Communities, a national firm, to increase monthly land rents at a mobile home park by $27 a month.
    Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
  • But Rubio said if use of the bases is going to be denied, as Spain did for the Iran war, then the United States would have to reconsider its support for NATO.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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