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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
Most job losses start at the district level, where teachers can face discipline that ranges from reprimands to outright termination. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2025 Bloise is barred from visiting school sites for a period of 90 days, a component of his formal reprimand not previously shared with the public. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
While security physically handled the situation, the internet latched on to a young woman wearing a red headscarf who followed to verbally reprimand him. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025 To this end, Cucinelli urged the independent players to tap into the online commerce without betraying their identity of exclusivity and desirability, subtly reprimanding those who embraced the gray market outright. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reprimand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprimand
Noun
  • Absent due process, there’s no pause to decide whether this person should be condemned or if the reason given for condemnation is legitimate.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • And when families lead with compassion instead of condemnation, recovery happens faster and lasts longer.
    Essence, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • George Clooney is looking back at one of the more surreal moments from his early Hollywood days — getting personally scolded by the legendary Frank Sinatra.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2025
  • That is the adage used to scold someone whose gaze is fixed on a particular subject a little too long.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Cursing, Porter admonished the staffer for appearing in the background of the shot.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Consequently, the conference is imposing a $5,000 fine and admonishes all institutions to use the ‘out’ designation only if there are no circumstances under which a student-athlete could participate in a game.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The City Council was scheduled to decide at tonight’s meeting on whether to censure Chua – or formally express their disapproval of her actions.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
  • This could include sanctioning, censuring or suspending a judge, or recommending a judge be removed from office.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But Andres Bernal, a political analyst who lectures at the City University of New York, thinks many young voters look at Cuomo's history of controversy and are reminded of the Democratic Party establishment that has left them disillusioned.
    Brian Mann, NPR, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Before the Orange Bowl in January, Penn State head coach James Franklin used his dual pregame press conference with Marcus Freeman to lecture the college football world on his belief that Notre Dame should join a conference.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If a new medication is to blame, switching drugs can sometimes help.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Gabriel may not be blamed for Cleveland's offensive struggles, but the Browns will have to explore what Sanders can bring to the field if Gabriel can't showcase more of an arm.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The tales explore how the people/rats/cats who inhabit the house are driven by selfish desires — and how they are subsequently rewarded or punished by a twist of fate.
    Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The crude oil imports flow through the Druzhba pipeline, which has been repeatedly attacked this summer by Ukrainian drones, in an effort by Kyiv to punish its neighbors for helping to fund Moscow’s war.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In recent months, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has repeatedly criticized Tucker Carlson.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canada on Saturday over a TV ad featuring footage of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reprimand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprimand. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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