reprobate 1 of 3

Definition of reprobatenext

reprobate

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noun

reprobate

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprobate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprobate are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprehend. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

When would censure be a good substitute for reprobate?

The words censure and reprobate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When could condemn be used to replace reprobate?

The synonyms condemn and reprobate are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

Where would criticize be a reasonable alternative to reprobate?

The words criticize and reprobate can be used in similar contexts, but criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How are the words denounce and condemn related as synonyms of reprobate?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When might reprehend be a better fit than reprobate?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprobate, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

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 reprobate
Adjective
That’s when Regina’s sardonic sister (Wanda Skyes, the show’s co-creator) steps in and lets him and his reprobate pals have it. Jeanne Jakle, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Apr. 2021 For reference, consider the late, reprobate Southwest Conference. Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 13 Jan. 2020
Noun
But Jaron had a new acquaintance—Nortal, an old reprobate who ran the town dump. Annie Proulx, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025 Like many of Anderson’s protagonists, Gustave is a reprobate of the first order, romancing old ladies for their fortunes and such. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Verb
Gasoline is dirty, smelly, toxic, and environmentally reprobate. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • Other methods of sneaking contraband into a prison include throwing it over a facility’s fence, coordinating through the mail and, in some cases, involving corrupt corrections officers.
    Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
  • Assessor Gus Kramer stayed in office when a jury deadlocked on a civil grand jury accusation of willful or corrupt misconduct in office.
    East Bay Times editorial, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Fisk, the villain, ultimately loses this battle.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
  • Who’s the villain on your show?
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • The court rejected the argument, concluding that a prospective rate hearing — unlike that on the response time — would be considered contested and the utility would have the opportunity to challenge the finding of imprudence then.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate, but some Republicans rejected the bill, opposing earmarking millions more to maintain the fortified Capitol and equip it with the staff necessary to keep the screenings going.
    Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But when the symptoms refused to fade, an MRI revealed something far worse.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Others rely on patience, research, and the fact that the ground itself refuses to be reduced to one easy headline.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Candelora had denounced threats against Paris, none coming from Howard.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
  • After the vote, Commissioner Zach Lindstrom thanked At Chandee's supporters for sharing his story while denouncing the current presidential administration for locking him up.
    Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Poor financial decisions have led to bad housing policy and degraded services.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
  • The Teamsters warned a degraded zoo experience would await visitors who crossed the picket line, suggesting that certain programs such as dolphin shows would be canceled due to the strike.
    Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • This time the closing hole was a brute, the toughest at Harbour Town on Sunday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • And what better way to force that out of her than to put her up against a brute of a man who has all the confidence in the world?
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Officials said that after Cooper’s arrest, the first victim, a runaway, was crying hysterically and denied any involvement in prostitution.
    Samantha Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
  • Agresta denied news reports about the sloths dying from the cold, instead pinning the cause on viral infections, Inside Climate News said.
    Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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