REPRIMAND Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reprimand 1 of 2

noun

ˈre-prə-ˌmand

Definition of reprimand next

as in condemnation

an often public or formal expression of disapproval while reviewing the troops, the officer delivered a curt reprimand to one of the soldiers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reprimand

2 of 2

verb

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings reprimanded the summer intern for her constant tardiness

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as in to admonish

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault reprimanded the student for using the lax grammar and punctuation of text messaging in a term paper

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as in to censure

to express public or formal disapproval of the president was forced to reprimand the general for publicly voicing his disagreements with the nation's foreign policy

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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

How does the verb reprimand contrast with its synonyms?

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

Potential punishments included a reprimand or a censure, which serve as forms of public rebuke. —

Kevin Freking, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026 In addition to damages, the lawsuit seeks to void the letter of reprimand and the suspension from secondary employment. —

Ben Wheeler april 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026

Verb

Investigations by the House Ethics Committee typically precede floor action to reprimand or expel members. —

Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026 If the University of Connecticut is to retain any respect, Coach Auriemma should be publicly reprimanded and suspended without pay. —

Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reprimand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprimand

Noun

News of the troop withdrawal drew swift condemnation from Democrats in Congress and members of a hawkish Washington think tank.

— Ben Finley, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
Kneecap’s exploits, meanwhile, have sparked condemnation from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and saw member Mo Chara hauled in front of a judge on terrorism charges (a case that has since been thrown out of court).

— Dean Van Nguyen, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026

Definition of condemnation

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reprieving

reprimand

reprimanded

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“Reprimand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprimand. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of reprimand

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verb

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