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rebuke

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rebuke contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rebuke are admonish, chide, reprimand, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When is it sensible to use admonish instead of rebuke?

While in some cases nearly identical to rebuke, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When would reprimand be a good substitute for rebuke?

The words reprimand and rebuke can be used in similar contexts, but reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

How do reproach and chide relate to one another, in the sense of rebuke?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness
chided by their mother for untidiness

In what contexts can reprove take the place of rebuke?

Although the words reprove and rebuke have much in common, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

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 rebuke
Noun
The character’s name is a clear nod to Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara, but his treatment in Rogue One felt more like a rebuke than celebration. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025 His remarks drew swift rebukes from both Poilievre and Carney, who warned Trump to stay out of the election and rejected his calls for Canada to become the 51st state. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
Doctors and advocates have swiftly rebuked the program. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 7 May 2025 India is known to rebuke countries that criticize its government. Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebuke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuke
Noun
  • Trump had longtime Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden dismissed via email late on May 8, drawing broad condemnation from her supporters in Congress.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The move drew swift condemnation from NATO leaders, who viewed it as a concession to Russian aggression.
    Martha McHardy Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 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
  • After performing spirited pieces from the Prime Video superhero drama at Deadline’s Sound & Screen: Television event, composers Christopher Lennertz and Matt Bowen were asked if they’ve ever been scolded for going too far with their music.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 8 May 2025
  • Similar circumstances were noted at most airports across the country, with media reporting that those without a Real ID have faced little more than a scolding from TSA agents or a reminder to book an appointment soon to get a Star Card.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • In 2021, then-Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., was censured after sharing an anime video of himself killing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and swinging swords at Biden.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 16 May 2025
  • At the time, his House Un-American Activities Committee was causing undue terror around the nation, but thanks to Murrow’s newscasts on CBS, the junior senator from Wisconsin was ultimately investigated and censured by 1954.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Cook County Judge Angela Petrone admonished Brand on Tuesday for delving into questions about Smith’s romantic history after being told not to do so the day before.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
  • During a private conversation on Tuesday, Subramanian admonished Geragos, warning him against making further similar comments.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • We’ve often been lectured by people all over the place about how the United States needs to continue to be a beacon for those who are oppressed abroad.
    Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 18 May 2025
  • Geragos, 67, the criminal defense lawyer known for his roster of celebrity clients, was lectured in a Manhattan federal court this week after making statements about the case on a podcast.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 8 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
  • Consider: The United States voted with Russia and North Korea in February concerning a UN Resolution to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The late pope criticized both laissez-faire capitalism and state-centric socialism, giving shape to a distinctly Catholic vein of economic teaching.
    Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • Several Democratic members of Congress criticized her firing.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuke. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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