1
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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2
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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3
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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Cite this Entry
“Reproving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproving. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.
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