red-pencil

verb

ˈred-ˌpen(t)-səl How to pronounce red-pencil (audio)
Definition of red-pencilnext
1
as in to amend
to remove errors, defects, deficiencies, or deviations from the magazine claims that every article is red-penciled by a team of fact checkers before it ever sees the light of print

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to censor
to remove objectionable parts from a television script that had been heavily red-penciled in abject surrender to political correctness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 red-pencil The book is a literary arrangement of sparring between D’Agata and Fingal, consisting of a draft of D’Agata’s text red-pencilled by editors and extensive correspondence between the two writers. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red-pencil
  1. amend
  2. censor
  3. correct
  4. shorten
  5. reform
  6. remedy
Verb
  • The latest vote takes a key step in a yearslong process to amend the city’s planning, and included potential increases in density in urban areas and additions of parking requirements.
    — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • On August 10, the CFTC amended ElectronX’s designation to permit intermediated trading through futures commission merchants.
    — Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of amend
Verb
  • The former pro athlete posted a family photo of himself, Panettiere and their daughter Kaya (whose face is censored by a bright orange dot) all smiles against a cloudy sky.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Broadcast stations do have some authority to censor political ads.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of censor
Verb
  • In July, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also cited Lineage for rodent and pest-control violations, fining the company $500 per day until the violations were corrected.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Jesus’ teachings and healing works confirm that negative suggestions can be corrected, not by trying not to think about them, but by turning our attention to and replacing them with God’s thoughts.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of correct
Verb
  • And because Preservé also allows an implant to be inserted above the muscle, recovery time can be shortened from an average of four to six weeks to a few days, while also retaining nipple sensation and muscle structure.
    — Emma Sandler, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Route 25 is adjusted to run on Aramingo, York and Frankford, and shortened to operate between Frankford Transit Center and Spring Garden.
    — Laura Fay, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of shorten
Verb
  • Amnesty International has urged Syria to end trials in absentia and the use of the death penalty, incorporate crimes under international law into domestic legislation and reform the judiciary.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The group notes other states, such as Illinois, New Jersey and New York have either reformed or ended cash bail.
    — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of reform
Verb
  • Eager to remedy this social problem, Japanese Christian leaders were quick to establish independent schools that offered a Japanese-style curriculum in the afternoons.
    — H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Because the jury is advisory, Rogers will ultimately decide whether Meta is legally liable and, if so, what remedies to impose.
    — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of remedy

Browse Nearby Words

redounds
red-pencil
red-penciled
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Cite this Entry

“Red-pencil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red-pencil. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on red-pencil

Nglish: Translation of red-pencil for Spanish Speakers

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