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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprehend differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprehend are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Where would censure be a reasonable alternative to reprehend?

The synonyms censure and reprehend are sometimes interchangeable, but censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When would condemn be a good substitute for reprehend?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprehend, condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

When can criticize be used instead of reprehend?

While the synonyms criticize and reprehend are close in meaning, 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 reprehend?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When is reprobate a more appropriate choice than reprehend?

The words reprobate and reprehend can be used in similar contexts, but reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprehend
Verb
  • Trump amps up his attacks on CEOs and other executives Trump has long used social media and his other public statements to cajole, criticize and praise companies and individual CEOs.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Some social media users have criticized the department’s reverence for the 1940s, noting the period predated the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which outlawed segregation, as well as other landmark legislation and Supreme Court decisions that were key to the civil rights era.
    Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Attorney Lauren Cerri of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, representing the plaintiff, condemned school administration for ignoring prior complaints made by yard duty supervisors years earlier that Wilson was spending time in his classroom alone with female students during lunch recesses.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Both Israel and the US have condemned moves to recognize a Palestinian state.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Some residents blamed the city, which has owned these buildings for years, for allowing the structures to get run-down.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Cena even blamed Truth for making that kid in Brussels cry.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Schiavo also faulted the FAA for not coming off as terribly responsive to problems.
    Josh Funk, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The White House has faulted India for high tariffs that Trump views as an effort to shut out U.S. producers.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 31 July 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Reprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprehend. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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