1
as in scolding
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
our neighbor loudly reproached us for tromping through his yard
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in admonishing
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in censuring
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
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Recent Examples of reproaching
The pillow talk on Man’s Best Friend often takes the curt, assertive tone of a person reproaching a precocious pet.
—
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproaching
Verb
-
Sanders, by now a perennial candidate, perfected his craggy, scolding, mitten-waving style.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2026
-
But more recently, groups of citizens have grown tired of scolding and have begun reaching for the birch rod.—
Nick Bowlin,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Parliament Vice President Nicolae Ștefănuță quickly intervened, admonishing the lawmaker for his language and warning of consequences.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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The outlet reported that the mother of Jamieson’s child spoke out in court, admonishing him for the violent attack on their daughter last January.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The House voted against censuring Plaskett in a 209-214-3 vote.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
21 Nov. 2025
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But, honestly, Meyers added, he wasn’t bothered by the attack, which is the latest in a line of Truth Social posts Trump has made censuring the comic.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
17 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Christian author Philip Yancey is retiring from writing and lecturing after admitting to a long-running affair with a married woman.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
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After teaching at Sacramento City College and lecturing at UC Davis, Fisher moved into public history, working with the California Office of Historic Preservation and the Architectural History Department at Caltrans.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Censures, a means of formally reprimanding a lawmaker without going so far as to expel them, have historically been rare; in the 200 years after Congress first convened, only 22 House members were censured.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
21 Nov. 2025
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When conversation veers into controversial territory, Gott suggests redirecting rather than reprimanding.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Later in the day, after being criticized from some corners for not denouncing Hamas specifically, Mamdani went further.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
10 Jan. 2026
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Despite the 12-day Israeli war on Iran last summer, figures on all sides of the political spectrum came together in a rare show of unity, denouncing Israel for striking their country.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Most Americans according to the latest polls disapprove of Trump and hope for a return to a president who governs with a respect for the norms presidents of both parties have observed when criticizing those who differed with them.—
Bob Kustra,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Jan. 2026
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Kelly defended the protest during a news conference Tuesday, criticizing the church for its association with a pastor who works for ICE.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The climate for trans people has worsened considerably, with many on the right baselessly blaming the community for an uptick in political violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk.—
David Canfield,
Vanity Fair,
20 Jan. 2026
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The team never found its footing, with McVay blaming himself for never getting a feel for the game’s rhythm as a play caller.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reproaching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproaching. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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