REPROVING Synonyms: 114 Similar and Opposite Words

reproving

verb

present participle of reprove

as in admonishing

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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as in reprimanding

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

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as in disliking

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproving

Verb

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.

— Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
In the viral video after the shooting, neighbors can be heard angrily admonishing officers for killing the dog.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026

Definition of admonishing

Verb

Her Volumnia bellows at her meek daughter-in-law, Virgilia (Justine Faith) as though reprimanding an incompetent private.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Earlier this week, Scott Agness claimed his press credentials were revoked by the team after his reporting led to the WNBA reprimanding the Fever for not being transparent about Clark’s health status during a game on May 20.

— Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

Definition of reprimanding

Verb

Rather than scolding parents about screens, society could do more to support families in ways that obviate the need for screen time.

— Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Do not punish your dog by scolding or yelling at them, as this may make your dog's behavior worse out of fear or stress.

— Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Definition of scolding

Verb

The City Council, which is considering censuring the mayor, asked for assistance because the city’s Human Resources director wasn’t available at the time, according to Mayor Pro Tem Tara Graves.

— Elijah Megginson, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
As this memoir opens, Iran’s morality police stalk the university where Nafisi works, censuring her female students.

— The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026

Definition of censuring

Verb

After the match, British politicians and fans took to social media to vent their anger, helping amplify a wave of online posts criticizing both Argentina and its national team, digital researchers said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Rather than responding to detailed questions for this story, Sarnecki issued a statement criticizing wasteful government spending.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of criticizing

Verb

One request from the tenants union was for the city to use the health department’s authority to make emergency repairs to the buildings and refrain from condemning the property.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
In fact, the administration was sweeping in condemning the rest of the world - including its strongest allies and largest trading partners - on this topic.

— Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 24 July 2026

Definition of condemning

Verb

Many residents are balking at that timing and at Ryan’s lawsuit against Killingly’s wetlands board for rejecting the first version of the plan on July 6.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2026
Roster movement in both directions has been constant this year, from The New Day's exit to a former champion reportedly leaving after rejecting a new deal to the April release of 11 former champions.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of rejecting

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.

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reproves

reproving

reprovingly

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“Reproving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproving. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of reproving

verb

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