reprobate 1 of 3

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
Whether this is also the outcome for Hozier’s simpering reprobate is up for the listener to decide. Tom Zoellner, SPIN, 29 May 2024 That tirade paralleled a similar rant by Eminem, the token white reprobate and protégé of Dr. Dre’s degenerate Interscope/Death Row combine. Armond White, National Review, 15 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • That included former interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who wrote in her resignation letter that Adams had entered into a corrupt quid pro quo with Trump to get rid of his case by offering immigration enforcement assistance in exchange for a dismissal.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
  • He has been banned for life from the city of Bonita Springs, having once sunk a corrupt city councilman’s party barge, but shows little remorse.
    Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Frey was the Game of Thrones villain who orchestrated that show’s infamous Red Wedding, a premeditated and highly violent attack on a large group of people that took place during a wedding reception.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 13 May 2025
  • The filmmaker released a 15-second preview of the trailer, featuring footage of a battle between Superman and a mechanized villain named the Hammer of Boravia.
    Michileen Martin, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The judge has now said that’s not good enough, and rejected Bungie’s motion to dismiss.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • Shirley has discovered that Conrad was rejected for a job at UNIT eight years ago.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Both have also been vocally critical of giving more military and financial assistance to Ukraine and have previously threatened refused to back the EU’s regular extensions of sanctions against Russia.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 8 May 2025
  • When one player refused and wanted to take a photo of the statement, the player was allegedly denied a chance and warned ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi would find out about his response.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Freshwater Challenge is an initiative of countries—currently 49 countries plus the European Union—that have committed to collectively restoring 300,000 kilometers of degraded rivers and 350 million hectares of degraded wetlands.
    Jeff Opperman, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The resulting service gaps leave service providers relying on alternate methods that in many places result in a degraded customer interaction.
    Glenn Katz, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Then comes the arrival of General Zod and his two primary compatriots – a warrior woman and a silent hulking brute – who do battle with Superman around the city, causing much destruction and threatening the life of Lois Lane and her Daily Planet coworkers.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • By the end of the episode, the audience is eager to meet the antihero, the brute, that everyone is talking about.
    Maelle Beauget-Uhl, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Aside from an apology video following the release of security footage in which Combs is seen beating Cassie, the music mogul has denied all of the allegations and claimed the video has been altered.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Though some sheriffs have denied their existence, Luna has acknowledged and vowed to eradicate them.
    Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • While the cost of groceries, on average, declined, the report found the price of dining out got more expensive and is up about 4% from the past year.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • The current management of Planète Sauvage declined to comment for this story, as did the former mayors of Port-Saint-Père and Nantes.
    Christopher Clark, The Dial, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

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