reproach 1 of 2

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as in disgrace
a cause of shame your public display of boorish behavior is a reproach to this entire school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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reproach

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reproach contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reproach are admonish, chide, rebuke, reprimand, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," 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 admonish take the place of reproach?

While the synonyms admonish and reproach are close in meaning, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When can rebuke be used instead of reproach?

The words rebuke and reproach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When could reprimand be used to replace reproach?

Although the words reprimand and reproach have much in common, reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

Where would reprove be a reasonable alternative to reproach?

In some situations, the words reprove and reproach are roughly equivalent. 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 reproach
Noun
Compounding tensions, Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and prominent Trump ally, has amplified far-right movements across Europe without facing public reproach from the White House. Alex Marquardt, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025 Far more overtly than in McGahern’s previous novels, the reproaches in The Pornographer extend to the hypocrisies of Irish society. Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
Year after year, my parents reproached me on the way to and from parent-teacher conferences. Zameena Mejia, refinery29.com, 22 July 2024 After exiting a coffee shop in Tampa, the first lady stopped to reproach a group of reporters questioning her about Joe Biden’s candidacy. Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for reproach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproach
Noun
  • There will be no disgrace or dishonor if they get rolled by the defending champs in the second round.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Harvey Weinstein will face his third criminal trial this week, in what we be seen as the latest referendum on the #MeToo movement, which began with his disgrace nearly eight years ago.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The latest attack sparked outrage and drew international condemnation, including from U.S. President Donald Trump.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The time for condemnation is over, Denmark's representative, Christina Markus Lassen, said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Adidas Has Double Discounts on Comfy Sneakers and Travel-ready Styles—Deals Start at $27 Vionic Tide Melo Sandals $85 $55 at Amazon These Tide Melo sandals put regular flip-flops to shame.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2025
  • After the Halls admitted the charges were true, both resigned in shame — Katie serving probation and Junifer going to federal prison for 16 months.
    Steve Patterson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Today's top stories President Trump scolded Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday after Russia launched a deadly strike on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025
  • That, in the end, is the heart of the spectacle of Noem’s militaristic videos and Leavitt’s scolding and lies.
    Constance Grady, Vox, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rourke was formally reprimanded by the show and ultimately booted from the house.
    Mikelle Street, Them., 23 Apr. 2025
  • And when no one was fired or even reprimanded for the FUBAR, the accountability Hegseth promised had seemingly gone AWOL.
    S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cornyn was later booed at the Texas GOP convention that year and the Collin County GOP voted to censure him.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The hearing was ultimately scheduled for May 13 by a unanimous vote, including a provision that the council consider censuring Barber at the hearing.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Imtiyaz Khan/Anadolu via Getty Images Catholics across the globe are mourning the death of Pope Francis, remembering him for his humility, generosity of spirit, concern for the poor, and steadfast efforts to restore trust in the church after years of scandal.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Hegseth and the White House sought to point the finger for the new scandal at four top aides who were recently forced out at the Pentagon amid a broad investigation over media leaks in his first several weeks in the post.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One judge this week said there was probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for not taking active steps to follow an order to stop the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to the notorious CECOT Prison in El Salvador.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Trump scored one victory on Friday when an appeals court put on hold a threat by District Judge James Boasberg of contempt charges.
    Andrew Chung, Luc Cohen, Kristina Cooke, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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