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
Samira earns praise from patients and reproach from Robby. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 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
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
  • Alfie’s liberation doesn’t go well for him, but his public disgrace can’t undo the goodwill he’s established through his championing of art.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
  • Kim Soo-hyun is now weathering his own public disgrace.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • There has been widespread international condemnation, particularly from the UN.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
  • Musk and his team have swept through the government in recent months, slashing federal contracts and cutting staff — drawing applause from Trump allies and condemnation from opponents.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • That means having the courage to say what needs to be said—without blame, without shame and always with the intention to help.
    Jaide Massin, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • But when the nights are long and your world has shattered, just having something to talk to without shame or fear, can be the difference between falling apart and holding on.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Five months after beating New York Red Bulls for the club’s sixth MLS Cup title, the Galaxy lost the rematch 7-0 in New York — seven-nil — prompting an impromptu team scolding on the field by Vanney after the final whistle.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • The moment a golden retriever and his feline friend were scolded by their owner for their behavior during her trip has left people in stitches.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • In 2022, he was reprimanded for oxycodone trafficking.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
  • The Supreme Court on Monday said Broward County Judge Mardi Levey Cohen will be reprimanded June 3 as part of discipline that also includes a 10-day suspension without pay.
    News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • This country has not only failed to censure Israel for its actions, but any demonstrations against them are deemed to be antisemitic and are condemned.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
  • Maine state representative Laurel Libby is allowed to vote for her constituents after three months of being censured, thanks to a 7-2 Supreme Court decision Tuesday.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Still, after being embroiled in the scandal, Rangel was reelected and went on to serve two more terms in Congress -- and was still widely respected.
    Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 26 May 2025
  • The flamboyant Powell, a famed political figure in the city first elected to the House in 1944, was ill and haunted by scandal at the time.
    Deepti Hajela, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • No one is more familiar than Walker with state government’s contempt for constitutional rights.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
  • Epic then argued in court that Apple wasn’t complying with the order, and a judge ruled in Epic’s favor in April, holding Apple in civil contempt.
    John Yoon, New York Times, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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