reprimand

1 of 2

noun

rep·​ri·​mand ˈre-prə-ˌmand How to pronounce reprimand (audio)
: a severe or formal reproof

reprimand

2 of 2

verb

reprimanded; reprimanding; reprimands

transitive verb

: to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority
Choose the Right Synonym for reprimand

reprove, rebuke, reprimand, admonish, reproach, chide mean to criticize adversely.

reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness
chided by their mother for untidiness

Examples of reprimand in a Sentence

Noun while reviewing the troops, the officer delivered a curt reprimand to one of the soldiers Verb The soldiers were severely reprimanded. reprimanded the summer intern for her constant tardiness
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
But for Pascal to turn his Parisian nose up at his free bowling shirt should have earned a stern reprimand rather than a Joan giggle. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024 In some respects, a diktat was already announced last summer by reducing remote working to two days per week, with badges checked and email reprimands for employees who fail to toe the line. Anna Zanardi Cappon, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
Verb
Grayson’s Logan County personnel file also shows he had been reprimanded over inaccuracies in his police reports, failure to follow orders from a senior leader and what his superiors had warned could be perceived as a lack of integrity, according to a disciplinary file. Janelle Griffith, NBC News, 30 July 2024 In 2019, the City Section reprimanded the Gauchos for fielding an ineligible player after investigating the program. Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reprimand 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French réprimande, from Latin reprimenda, feminine of reprimendus, gerundive of reprimere to check — more at repress

First Known Use

Noun

1636, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reprimand was in 1636

Dictionary Entries Near reprimand

Cite this Entry

“Reprimand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reprimand. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

reprimand

1 of 2 noun
rep·​ri·​mand ˈrep-rə-ˌmand How to pronounce reprimand (audio)
: a severe or formal criticism

reprimand

2 of 2 verb
: to criticize (a person) severely especially from a position of authority

More from Merriam-Webster on reprimand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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