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
Tiger Woods Video Explaining Scottie Scheffler's Greatness Scottie Scheffler Reveals What Separates Him From PGA Championship Field Then there is obviously a host of others that are currently above reproach. Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 Whatever happens, though, his goalscoring prowess is beyond reproach. Rob Tanner, New York Times, 12 May 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
  • But from a social perspective, disgrace and ruin were very real, pressing threats.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 July 2025
  • You may get fired for acting that way, but there's honor in that—and nothing but disgrace for those who don't stand up.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • The school, which is not affiliated with Lincoln County Schools, prompted community outrage and public condemnation from school leaders.
    Evan Moore August 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Trump's decision to deploy the military drew sharp condemnation from Democrats across the country, who said the move raises civil-liberties concerns at a time when crime in D.C. is dropping.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Parrilla has the more complex role; Bruiser is unprincipled and lacking in shame, yet generally correct and fair.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Face Debt Without Shame Or Avoidance The first step to reducing debt is facing it without shame.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Some have also scolded Colossal for tinkering with genetics, but the tech firm insists its work will aid in the conservation and protection of endangered species.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
  • With the camel’s back broken, Dorothy Scott, summoning all her righteous indignation (and channeled with maybe one-third of Audra McDonald’s extraordinary talent, which is still enough to power the city of Manhattan), lets the snobby scold have it.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • If the committee finds the charges to be malicious, the accusers may also be reprimanded, suspended, removed from office or expelled.
    Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • In October, Redstone publicly criticized McMahon's decision to reprimand CBS News morning anchor Tony Dokoupil over an interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates.
    Alex Sherman, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • In 2023, Democrats rallied around Schiff when House Republicans voted to censure him.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The statement marks a change in attitude given Greene’s previous vote to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American Democrat, for her criticism of Israel.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • Even lesser-scale incidents like the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal and the Volkswagen emissions scandal erode trust in the institutions that help make our society possible and push it forward.
    Lindsey Witmer Collins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Eight months later, Facebook was rocked by one of the biggest scandals ever to strike the tech industry.
    Noah Giansiracusa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • He was arraigned on Sunday, Aug. 3, on charges of burglary, criminal contempt and weapons possession.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Donald was hit with a slew of charges including assault, strangulation, harassment, criminal obstruction of breathing and contempt of court in that case and was freed on $20,000 bail.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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