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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
If the Pets fail to reprove the demonization of Trump and Morrissey — disregarding hateful partisan fashion—their diminished integrity will be one of the consequences.
—
Armond White,
National Review,
18 Sep. 2024
The son of immigrants — a hard-drinking father from Scotland and a reproving mother from Germany — Baird and his siblings grew up poor in Brooklyn, N.Y.
—
Tribune News Service,
The Mercury News,
25 July 2024
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
Her question drew reproving looks and boos from the crowd.
—
Stephania Taladrid,
The New Yorker,
15 July 2023
Regional and international groups and leaders rallied behind Caracas, reproving the sanctions as illegitimate.
—
Lauren Carasik,
Foreign Affairs,
2 Apr. 2015
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
If the Pets fail to reprove the demonization of Trump and Morrissey — disregarding hateful partisan fashion—their diminished integrity will be one of the consequences.
—
Armond White,
National Review,
18 Sep. 2024
The son of immigrants — a hard-drinking father from Scotland and a reproving mother from Germany — Baird and his siblings grew up poor in Brooklyn, N.Y.
—
Tribune News Service,
The Mercury News,
25 July 2024
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
Her question drew reproving looks and boos from the crowd.
—
Stephania Taladrid,
The New Yorker,
15 July 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
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Regardless, this issue could have resolved if the Giants had issued a statement straight away either defending their players’ First Amendment right to express their views or admonishing them for violating the term of the CBA.
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In the viral video after the shooting, neighbors can be heard angrily admonishing officers for killing the dog.
Verb
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The South Dakota Republican Party on Friday voted down a measure to censure Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) after the Senate failed to advance the SAVE America Act.
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The two were censured and expelled from the International City/County Managers Association for ethics code violations.
Verb
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Others disliked how visible Gabriel Vasconcelos' tongue was outside of his mouth while kissing.
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The financial statements were not clean, the market disliked the company, shareholders were selling for reasons unrelated to value, and management was changing.
Verb
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One notable instance came in season 1 of America's Sweethearts, when Powell was reprimanded for asking where her ornament was on the locker room Christmas tree, as opposed to expressing gratitude for the decorations.
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Later on during the trial, the judge reprimanded Pino and his supporters for hugging and physical embracing him while court was in session and the jury was present.
Verb
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The Department of Licenses and Inspections responded to the scene and condemned the house, which sustained considerable damage.
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While Washington blamed Iran and condemned the attack, Gulf states were left with lingering questions about the extent of American willingness to confront Tehran on their behalf.
Verb
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The program posed a massive political problem for Mamdani, who’s been criticized by both his allies and opponents for his stance.
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While state studies have criticized the state’s education governance model, voters have rejected at least four attempts dating back to 1928 to reform the position.
Verb
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This ancient poem isn’t interested in scolding women for their sexuality, but in the establishment of honor in the elite household.
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Davis remembered once being scolded as a teenager by her mother after being caught speaking poorly of a classmate.
Verb
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Catholic leaders in Florida argue that there are better ways to protect the public from violent crimes and in Spencer’s case, the availability of life without parole is a moral way to punish Spencer without taking his life.
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And now she's been punished for it.
Cite this Entry
“Reprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprove. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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