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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disliking
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproving
Verb
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Caitlin Clark gave support to fellow WNBA star Napheesa Collier, who had referenced Clark when admonishing the league and commissioner Cathy Engelbert in fiery remarks earlier this week.—
Jill Martin,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025 -
One of the most emblematic moments of the week came in the morning session when the camera and microphone caught McIlroy admonishing rowdy fans before a shot.—
Justin Ray,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Clearly, the Times cannot be punished either for disliking him or for trying to defeat him.—
Stephen L. Carter,
Mercury News,
19 Sep. 2025
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Clearly, the Times cannot be punished either for disliking him or for trying to defeat him.—
Stephen L. Carter,
Twin Cities,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In 2023, the House, then run by Republicans, took the extraordinary step of censuring Schiff.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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The inscriptions also reference El, a deity associated with the Abrahamic God, while censuring the ancient pagan goddess Ba`alat.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Her coach Cheryl Reeve was later suspended after postgame comments criticizing the officiating in that game.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
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Trump has also spoken at length about his concerns about the New York City mayoral race, criticizing the potential election of progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani, who drew national attention for beating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Miss Sammie flashed the scolding look Jean had known since childhood, though playfully now.—
David Wright Faladé,
New Yorker,
28 Sep. 2025
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Shipp is tasked with scolding her father and delivering leaden exposition.—
Esther Zuckerman,
IndieWire,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Sprague, who took over as CEO in January, took a far more aggressive stance in an exclusive interview with The Athletic on Wednesday, condemning the behavior of those fans at Bethpage.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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Melissa Barrera, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Lukas Gage, Mara Wilson and Toni Colette were among the stars condemning the news of Norwood’s possible signing.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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There's a clear uphill battle ahead, but OpenAI's Altman brushed off concerns on Tuesday, rejecting the idea that the infrastructure spending spree is overkill.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
28 Sep. 2025
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Lawyers for Cook urged the court not to fire her, rejecting the allegations.—
Claire Cameron,
semafor.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Daniel Day-Lewis is legendary for going to punishing lengths to deliver authentic performances.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
2 Oct. 2025
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Composer Deantoni Parks’s score sustains and amplifies the tension, heightening the creeping pretense of water rushing forward and the punishing breathlessness of struggling back upstream.—
Anne Reeve,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Reproving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproving. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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