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
Their conduct must always be above reproach, as the Canons of Judicial Ethics require. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2025 Samira earns praise from patients and reproach from Robby. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 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
  • The Australian media called them a disgrace and embarrassment.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • Deemed dangerous to national security by MI5, Mosley and his wife spent three years interned in prison before moving abroad in disgrace.
    Rosemary Counter, Time, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • As America celebrates its 249th anniversary and a declaration of independence from tyranny on July 4, Bolick's comments represent his most piercing and direct condemnation of actions taken by the country's highest political leaders.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
  • The suppression of dissent drew international condemnation, and the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on Belarus.
    Yuras Karmanau, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Here’s an alphabetical list: Demons at Dawn is Julián Hernández’s morning-after romance, a rebuke of the walk of shame that embraces a careerist couple’s need for love.
    Armond White, National Review, 9 July 2025
  • Many people with hypersexual behaviors feel intense feelings of guilt and shame, which can affect their mental health.2 Experts aren’t sure what causes hypersexuality.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Officials want Indianapolis parents to take responsibility for their children Speaking at a news conference over the weekend, Bailey scolded parents for allowing their children out at night unsupervised.
    Matthew Cupelli, IndyStar, 7 July 2025
  • Trump has publicly scolded Massie for his opposition.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Dan Baltic, a co-founder in New Ritual Press and one of tonight’s readers, remembers being reprimanded in 2019 in a writing workshop by a woman who was appalled by the alt-right protagonist of his debut novel, Nutcrankr.
    John McDermott, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2025
  • Though city reprimanded the protesters, the group dissolved shortly after.
    Calista Oetama July 3, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Tillis had earned a reputation in Congress as someone willing to work across the aisle — but the Republican Party of North Carolina censured him for it.
    Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025
  • In May, the IAEA censured Iran, claiming the country had stockpiled enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels of 90%.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • The pension scandal: a quarter-century nightmare The funding squeeze is being felt across every agency as the county projects what will likely be an $8 million to $10 million deficit by the end of 2025, said Matt Fortman, the county's fiscal administrator.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025
  • That hasn’t stopped the bets in a state with a long history of scandals related to gambling — and failed attempts to shut it down.
    Josh Salman, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • This containment allows partners to express anger, frustration or hurt without slipping into destructive patterns like contempt, stonewalling or emotional withdrawal.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Rather, state law says they can be held in contempt of court or sued by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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