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
In August, six UAW locals voted on and passed administrative charges against Fain, which would have started a trial process that, if successful, could have resulted in sanctions, a reprimand or even an expulsion for Fain. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Griffin’s warning represents a rare reprimand from a CEO at a time when many business leaders have tried to steer clear of publicly criticizing the president and others have gone out of their way to curry favor. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
San Juan Unified School District Trustee Nick Bloise was formally reprimanded by the board in relation to his behavior during a school site visit. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025 If the committee finds the charges to be malicious, the accusers may also be reprimanded, suspended, removed from office or expelled. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reprimand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprimand
Noun
  • Astin’s remarks come after a formal condemnation of Norwood from SAG-AFTRA, as well as outcry from dozens of actors, including Emily Blunt, Melissa Barrera, Lukas Gage and more.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid’s latest tour de force is an absurdist, boldly surprising condemnation of his homeland.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Miss Sammie flashed the scolding look Jean had known since childhood, though playfully now.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Chun also scolded attorneys for Amazon in July for withholding thousands of documents from the FTC and abusing a legal privilege to shield them from scrutiny.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But the White House has repeatedly admonished the apps and the media coverage about them.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • One of the most emblematic moments of the week came in the morning session when the camera and microphone caught McIlroy admonishing rowdy fans before a shot.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On September 18, the House narrowly rejected the resolution to censure Omar over her remarks and social media posts following the assassination of Kirk.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Doctors, lawyers and first responders have been fired, suspended, censured or investigated.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Clarke and his business partner sold photographs and films, wrote and lectured about their adventures, and began treasure hunting.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Since exiting Dries Van Noten a few years ago, Scallon has been working as an independent consultant and mentor in fashion communications strategy, also lecturing occasionally and sharing his views about creative content on podcasts.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some of their struggles can be blamed on a tough slate of defenses.
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Real leadership requires a basic understanding of facts and a desire to do more than just blame others.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Freeport-McMoRan — The copper and gold miner gained more than 1% after UBS upgraded Freeport to buy from neutral, saying it has been overly punished after declaring force majeure at its Grasberg mine in Indonesia following a deadly collapse.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • That bill also included a provision that would punish states that provide health coverage to undocumented immigrants.
    Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some council members have criticized the proposal, citing a lack of communication and calling the move premature.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • So far, the league’s response has been not to fix the issue but, instead, to levy fines against players and coaches who criticize refs.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reprimand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprimand. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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