REPROVE Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reprove' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reprove are admonish , chide , rebuke , reprimand , and reproach . While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault. // gently reproved my table manners

Q: When is 'admonish' a more appropriate choice than 'reprove'?

While the synonyms admonish and reprove are close in meaning, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel. // admonished by my parents to control expenses

Q: In what contexts can 'rebuke' take the place of 'reprove'?

The synonyms rebuke and reprove are sometimes interchangeable, but rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof. // the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

Q: When is it sensible to use 'reprimand' instead of 'reprove'?

The meanings of reprimand and reprove largely overlap; however, reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke. // reprimanded by the ethics committee

Q: How do 'reproach' and 'chide' relate to one another, in the sense of 'reprove'?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding. // reproached him for tardiness // chided by their mother for untidiness

reprove

verb

ri-ˈprüv

Definition of reprove

as in to admonish

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault my piano teacher often reproves me for slouching while playing, observing that good posture helps one play better

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to censure

to express public or formal disapproval of the principal reproved the hockey team for their display of poor sportsmanship on the ice and ordered that a letter of apology be sent to the other school

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dislike

to hold an unfavorable opinion of the older generation has always reproved the younger generation's taste in music

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb reprove contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reprove are admonish, chide, rebuke, reprimand, and reproach. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

When is admonish a more appropriate choice than reprove?

While the synonyms admonish and reprove are close in meaning, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

In what contexts can rebuke take the place of reprove?

The synonyms rebuke and reprove are sometimes interchangeable, but rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When is it sensible to use reprimand instead of reprove?

The meanings of reprimand and reprove largely overlap; however, reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

How do reproach and chide relate to one another, in the sense of reprove?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

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 reprove Who has changed their name and has to reprove their identity? — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026 Gallant reportedly meant to reprove the officer for failing to do enough about settler violence. — Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2024 Both films reprove today’s lack of soul-searching — that’s our real existential crisis. — Armond White, National Review, 11 Oct. 2023 In the early 2000s, Latter-day Saints were learning via social media about controversial elements of their faith’s past — including details about polygamy provided by the scholars, like Quinn, who were reproved by the church. — Peggy Fletcher Stack, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 Sep. 2023 Regional and international groups and leaders rallied behind Caracas, reproving the sanctions as illegitimate. — Lauren Carasik, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2015

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprove

Verb

All persons having business before this honorable court are admonished to draw near and give their attention, for the court is now sitting.

— Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Davis was much more somber, and his attorney, Wayne Higgins, is heard frequently admonishing his client for volunteering unnecessary information.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of admonish

Verb

Carney was censured by the Mooresville Board of Commissioners after revelations that a town hall video reportedly shows him without pants on and a woman present on a late night in October 2024.

— Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026
Then, in early 2024, Raman was censured by DSA for seeking and accepting an endorsement from Democrats for Israel-Los Angeles, a liberal Zionist group.

— Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of censure

Verb

Designed specifically for users who dislike the deep pressure of silicone eartips, the JBL Vibe Flex 2 offers a comfortable, featherweight open-fit design.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
Also, who exactly was mysterious creative adviser and new-ending generator Rospo Pallenberg, besides being roundly disliked?

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of dislike

Verb

But the top management set early resumption as a key business target and harshly reprimanded a team working on a resumption permit because of the prolonged screening, which might have pressured them into wrongdoing, the report said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
Instead of reprimanding his pet, Linnetz seems to recognize the moment as a potentially good shot.

— Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of reprimand

Verb

Festival in London, which featured performances from Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean (though their set was abruptly cut short due to a noise ordinance, which Chappelle criticized).

— Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
The Herald previously reported that employees and former employees had criticized 21 Air for its unsafe working conditions.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of criticize

Verb

Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
In fact, during testing, the handheld triggered nostalgic memories of playing Final Fantasy Legend and Mario Land 2 on long car rides to my grandparents' house, but without the eye strain and being scolded for playing in the dark as the sun set.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of scold

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“Reprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprove. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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