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rebuke

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of rebuke

(Entry 1 of 2)

an often public or formal expression of disapproval

delivered a stinging rebuke to the Congress, calling for an end to backstabbing and arguing

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rebuke

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of rebuke (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to criticize (someone) so as to correct a fault

the father was forced to rebuke his son for the spendthrift ways he had adopted since arriving at college

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2 to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings

strongly rebuked the girl for playing with matches

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3 to express public or formal disapproval of

in a rare move, the state's supreme court rebuked the governor for trying to circumvent one of its recent rulings

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Frequently Asked Questions About rebuke

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