Synonyms of reprove

reprove

verb

ri-ˈprüv 

1

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• admonish
• reprimand
• scold
• criticize
• blame
• chide
• reproach
• rebuke
• fault
• get on
• get after
• upbraid
• condemn
• berate
• tick off
• mock
• censure
• reprehend
• castigate
• minimize
• lecture
• crucify
• denounce
• flay
• rail (at or against)
• burn one's ears
• chew out
• assail
• harangue
• excoriate
• disparage
• jaw
• attack
• lambaste
• knock
• lash
• belittle
• ridicule
• dress down
• pan
• deprecate
• deride
• bad-mouth
• keelhaul
• scorn
• rate
• scoff
• abuse
• score
• slam
• dis
• blast
• put down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• endorse
• sanction
• OK
• applaud
• praise
• salute
• extol
• hail
• laud
• tout

2

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

• censure
• reprimand
• condemn
• punish
• denounce
• scold
• criticize
• reproach
• admonish
• rebuke
• chastise
• call to account
• bring to account
• upbraid
• objurgate
• berate
• castigate
• disparage
• cut up
• rail (at or against)
• belittle
• rag
• lecture
• flay
• jaw
• deprecate
• depreciate
• chew out
• tell off
• bawl out
• lambaste
• keelhaul
• rate
• dress down
• score
• gibbet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• commend
• endorse
• cite
• honor
• applaud
• approve
• praise
• hail
• bless
• sanction
• acclaim
• eulogize
• laud

3

as in to dislike

to hold an unfavorable opinion of

the older generation has always reproved the younger generation's taste in music

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dislike
• criticize
• reject
• denounce
• disesteem
• discountenance
• deprecate
• disapprove (of)
• condemn
• mislike
• frown (on or upon)
• tsk-tsk
• reprehend
• tut (over or about)
• disfavor
• look down one's nose (on)
• scold
• scorn
• disrelish
• tut-tut (over or about)
• chide
• pooh-pooh
• object (to)
• censure
• reprobate
• reproach
• rebuke
• discommend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• like
• favor
• endorse
• support
• sanction
• love
• enjoy
• dig
• relish
• adore
• fancy
• delight (in)
• revel (in)
• groove (on)

Synonym Chooser

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

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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!