REPROACH Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reproach 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈprōch

Definition of reproach next

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

as in condemnation

an often public or formal expression of disapproval a letter of reproach was added to her dossier

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in shame

the state of having lost the esteem of others nothing the traitor did in later life lessened the reproach in which he was universally held

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reproach

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈprōch

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings our neighbor loudly reproached us for tromping through his yard

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as in to reprimand

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault she cleared her throat as a way of reproaching us for having our elbows on the table

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as in to censure

to express public or formal disapproval of the governor reproached the legislature for failing to pass the budget on time and once again throwing the state into fiscal chaos

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples of reproach in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Better yet, restore the Supreme Court’s moral authority through ethical standards that will hold them beyond reproach. —

Lourdes Rosado, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2024 In fact, our behaviors must be above reproach and truly worthy of the public’s trust. —

Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 12 June 2024

Verb

Similarly, leaders are more reluctant to reproach a violator when strategic interests are at stake. —

Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 The Supreme Court would be beyond reproach, if only its critics would stop reproaching it. —

Yvonne Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 6 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for reproach

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reproach.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Style

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 15 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 28 Aug 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of reproach

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verb

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Examples of reproach in a Sentence

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