Synonyms of reprehend

reprehend

verb

ˌre-pri-ˈhend 

1

as in to denounce

to declare to be morally wrong or evil

that denomination reprehends murder in any form, contending that the taking of life is never justified

Synonyms & Similar Words

• denounce
• condemn
• criticize
• blame
• censure
• decry
• attack
• anathematize
• execrate
• sentence
• fault
• damn
• reprobate
• convict
• disparage
• dispraise
• admonish
• upbraid
• chide
• belittle
• deprecate
• excommunicate
• scold
• chastise
• reprove
• ostracize
• knock
• pan
• hate
• berate
• rebuke
• reproach
• castigate
• reprimand
• detest
• doom
• rake
• revile
• abhor
• slam
• vituperate
• dis
• loathe
• imprecate
• abominate
• blast
• blacklist
• curse
• lambaste

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• bless
• endorse
• sanction
• commend
• praise
• exalt
• extol
• glorify
• applaud
• salute
• honor
• hail
• consecrate
• sanctify
• laud
• tout
• eulogize
• revere
• acclaim
• venerate
• hallow

2

as in to criticize

to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of

without exception, book reviewers reprehended the novel's tired plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• criticize
• blame
• condemn
• fault
• denounce
• knock
• censure
• attack
• deplore
• dispraise
• tweak
• find fault (with)
• slam
• pan
• slag
• complain
• admonish
• dis
• lash
• slash
• come down hard (on)
• kick
• assail
• chide
• upbraid
• scold
• reprove
• murmur
• take to task
• cavil
• mutter
• reprimand
• rebuke
• whine
• reproach
• berate
• grumble
• blast
• crucify
• moan
• skewer
• clobber
• bitch
• castigate
• nick (at)
• deride
• excoriate
• snipe (at)
• beef
• disparage
• grouse
• gripe
• decry
• growl
• quibble
• flay
• belittle
• bellyache
• kvetch
• crab
• carp
• keelhaul
• croak
• drub
• pillory
• lambaste
• hammer
• niggle
• bad-mouth
• gibbet
• fuss
• put down
• discommend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• praise
• approve
• commend
• recommend
• endorse
• extol
• sanction
• laud

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