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
Felix leaves without saying a word and catches a look of reproach from Fiona’s children, who do their homework at the living-room table. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 11 July 2025 Harry and his friends are gleeful consumers of toys and collectibles, eagerly partaking in all the commercial opportunities offered by Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade without textual reproach. Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Verb
While some online trolls criticized the actress' appearance, other observers rushed to her defense, calling out the comments' lecherous and misogynistic overtones and reproaching the invasion of privacy represented by the photos themselves. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024 We are reproached for being too thin or too plump, for eating too little or too much. Kristina Kasparian, Longreads, 12 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for reproach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproach
Noun
  • In the spring of 1940, as Hitler took Paris, defeated France, and allowed the British troops at Dunkirk to retreat from the continent in disgrace, two more countries initiated their own nuclear programs.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Amid her disgrace, Baldwin somewhat retreated from social media and from constantly posting images of her seven children, which critics found exploitative.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The arrest by federal agents of a day care teacher inside a child care center in northwest Chicago has drawn strong condemnation from local leaders.
    Whitney Wild, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The texts ignited a scandal that drew bipartisan condemnation.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • There is no place for intimidation or ego tripping disguised as ‘leadership,’ or for using titles and stages to instill fear and shame instead of empower.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
  • There is no place for intimidation or ego tripping disguised as 'leadership' or for using titles and stages to instill fear and shame instead of empower.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Grand International (MGI), was seen scolding Fatima Bosch, a 25-year-old contestant from Mexico, ahead of the 74th Miss Universe competition being held in Bangkok later this month.
    Anabella González, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
  • No doubt many grandmothers will want to scold us, but the truth is, soap isn't going to destroy your cast iron pans.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • What To Know On November 4, Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, during a sashing ceremony at a hotel in Bangkok.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The board voted unanimously to reprimand Bowden.
    Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The City Council also has censured him twice.
    Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Miller has said she's no longer censured.
    Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Of course, the future president at the center of the Watergate scandal had not seen his last boot.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Lula himself served nearly two years in prison from 2018 to 2019 for his role in the all-encompassing car wash money laundering scandal, known as Operação Lava Jato.
    Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Adding further controversy to the case, in 2024, Pras’ lawyer David Kenner pleaded guilty to criminal contempt of court for leaking confidential grand jury materials to Bloomberg News.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • While support for the president and contempt for the left has united conservative media for years, Gaza has been driving a wedge between two of the right’s biggest names.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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