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
All these years later, all of us remain just as torn about these enormously charismatic reprobates. Will Leitch, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024 Royalty and rock stars mingled with writers, rogues, and reprobates. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • His family’s investments in cryptocurrency, including allegations of corrupt self-dealing, galvanized most Democrats to oppose the bill.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 17 June 2025
  • The film gathers immoral cops, ruthless women and corrupt politicians to complete the world of populist cinema based in hinterlands of India.
    Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Clayface is shape-shifting villain in the Batman comics and got his introduction as part of Detective Comics #40 in June 1940.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 17 June 2025
  • Welcome to the Post-Trust Era A social media app isn’t the villain.
    Ankush Chowdhary, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • In response, Congress passed legislation seeking to limit a president's ability to wage war against Iran, which was again quickly rejected by Trump.
    Mariam Khan, ABC News, 23 June 2025
  • This can manifest into an AI tool that ends up rejecting qualified job candidates because it was trained on biased data.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Newsom is effectively forcing the Wiener proposal through by refusing to sign a budget deal without the CEQA exemptions.
    Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
  • Pallone added Kennedy has refused to take public input about vaccines, including his decision to overhaul a vaccine advisory panel, called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Shot on low-grade digital cameras that made every image look even more apocalyptic and degraded, the film remains utterly terrifying, boasting excellent supporting turns from Naomie Harris and Brendan Gleeson as Jim’s fellow survivors.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
  • The good news is that General Mills is more than 60% of the way to achieving its goal of advancing regenerative agriculture—farming practices that regenerate degraded soil—on a million acres of land by 2030.
    Dave Levinthal, Fortune, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • This freshly re-imagined Jag is worlds apart from that old German brute, but was similar in the sense of feeling wonderfully light and responsive, and utilizing hydraulic fluid to power its steering.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Cops released surveillance photos of a trio of brutes wanted for punching, repeatedly stabbing and robbing a man on a Bronx train last month.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • New York has been denied permission to speak with multiple sitting head coaches, including Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks, who used to coach Jalen Brunson.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Netanyahu declined to confirm or deny the proposal.
    Time, Time, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • But the league declined to comment on any punishment for the official.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Exports from Japan fall in May Japan exports in May declined 1.7% year over year, according to data from Japan's trade ministry released Wednesday.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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