reproach 1 of 2

1
as in disgrace
a cause of shame your public display of boorish behavior is a reproach to this entire school

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

reproach

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3

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
To such people, Hood shows viscerally how the idea of the perfect victim, beyond reproach or doubt, is a fantasy. Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025 At Arteta’s Arsenal, nobody is above reproach or criticism. James McNicholas, The Athletic, 7 Aug. 2024
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
  • Weak, low energy, words—a real disgrace some might say.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
  • These 36 words included anti-flag, betray, crisis, disgrace, failure, incompetent, liberal, radical, shallow, taxes, traitors, and welfare.
    Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump had longtime Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden dismissed via email late on May 8, drawing broad condemnation from her supporters in Congress.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The move drew swift condemnation from NATO leaders, who viewed it as a concession to Russian aggression.
    Martha McHardy Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • Nearly all the gifts showered upon them had morphed into curses: The wealth vanished, the children were struck dead, and the fame transformed into shame.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
  • There shouldn't be shame in aging—not all of us are trying to look 30.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • After performing spirited pieces from the Prime Video superhero drama at Deadline’s Sound & Screen: Television event, composers Christopher Lennertz and Matt Bowen were asked if they’ve ever been scolded for going too far with their music.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 8 May 2025
  • Similar circumstances were noted at most airports across the country, with media reporting that those without a Real ID have faced little more than a scolding from TSA agents or a reminder to book an appointment soon to get a Star Card.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • The justices also reprimanded federal authorities for failing to provide the detainees with more due process under the Alien Enemies Act.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
  • One of the central conflicts begins when the cute five-year-old daughter, I-Jing (Nina Ye), is reprimanded by her otherwise aloof grandfather for being left-handed.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • In 2021, then-Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., was censured after sharing an anime video of himself killing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and swinging swords at Biden.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 16 May 2025
  • At the time, his House Un-American Activities Committee was causing undue terror around the nation, but thanks to Murrow’s newscasts on CBS, the junior senator from Wisconsin was ultimately investigated and censured by 1954.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • This trend, driven in part by past corporate scandals, highlights the importance of aligning business practices with core values.
    Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Related Articles 1919 Black Sox: What to know about the World Series scandal, ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson and more Cincinnati Reds will pay tribute to Pete Rose a day after he was posthumously reinstated by MLB Column: Pete Rose will likely end up in the Hall of Fame now.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • In November, Swain found Adams’ administration in contempt of multiple provisions of the consent decree designed to improve conditions for inmates and staff at Rikers.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
  • The most immediate blow came earlier this month when U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt of court for willfully violating her 2021 injunction in the Epic Games case.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reproach

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!