reprimand 1 of 2

reprimand

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprimand contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reprimand are admonish, chide, rebuke, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

Where would admonish be a reasonable alternative to reprimand?

The synonyms admonish and reprimand are sometimes interchangeable, but admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When would rebuke be a good substitute for reprimand?

Although the words rebuke and reprimand have much in common, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

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

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 reprimand?

The meanings of reprove and reprimand largely overlap; however, 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 reprimand
Noun
Humphrey did not suspend Willis, but issued a letter of reprimand that can be factored into future disciplinary decisions. Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Nelson received a reprimand from the city’s ethics board in April for impeding the investigation, and the City Council passed resolutions last summer limiting his ceremonial powers. Aaron Sullivan, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
Some news organizations have reprimanded prominent on-air personalities with not-so-subtle partisan leanings in more public fashion. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025 Dan Baltic, a co-founder in New Ritual Press and one of tonight’s readers, remembers being reprimanded in 2019 in a writing workshop by a woman who was appalled by the alt-right protagonist of his debut novel, Nutcrankr. John McDermott, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for reprimand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprimand
Noun
  • As America celebrates its 249th anniversary and a declaration of independence from tyranny on July 4, Bolick's comments represent his most piercing and direct condemnation of actions taken by the country's highest political leaders.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
  • The suppression of dissent drew international condemnation, and the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on Belarus.
    Yuras Karmanau, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Officials want Indianapolis parents to take responsibility for their children Speaking at a news conference over the weekend, Bailey scolded parents for allowing their children out at night unsupervised.
    Matthew Cupelli, IndyStar, 7 July 2025
  • Trump has publicly scolded Massie for his opposition.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Neither side has accepted the proposal announced Tuesday by Trump, who has admonished Hamas that if the militant group does not buy into the offer, its prospects will get worse.
    Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025
  • At public meetings for approving such rate hikes, unhappy ratepayers regularly rail against the company and admonish utility regulators.
    CalMatters, Mercury News, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Maine state representative Laurel Libby had her speaking rights restored by fellow state lawmakers on Wednesday, five months after she was censured for a social media post that identified a trans athlete.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
  • Just days ago, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) again censured Iran for failing to comply with its nuclear nonproliferation obligations.
    Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Gavin could learn something to benefit Californians rather than lecturing Americans 3,000 miles away.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
  • Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with Lincoln Mitchell, a political strategy and campaign specialist who lectures at Columbia University, to understand what Mamdani’s primary win might indicate about the direction of national politics.
    Lincoln Mitchell, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Trump doubled down on his past criticism and blamed Biden for Powell remaining in the role.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • While most of us could only dream of being so effortlessly chic, Parisians have it down pat—so who could blame us for wanting to borrow some of their go-to French fashion styles?
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • This punishes exposure but doesn’t reward preparedness.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Świątek, 24, took an early lead in the competition, and continued at a punishing pace to secure a 6-0, 6-0 win in less than an hour of gameplay.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Political dynamics: DeSantis criticized the Florida House for delaying condo relief legislation, while House Speaker Daniel Perez defended the decision to address the issue during the regular session, highlighting the collaborative effort between the House and Senate.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
  • Tesla’s work conditions have been immensely criticized over the years, as current and former employees claim Musk pushes employees to do 80-hour work weeks.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reprimand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprimand. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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