rebuke

1 of 2

verb

re·​buke ri-ˈbyük 

rebuked; rebuking

transitive verb

1

a

: to criticize sharply : reprimand

b

: to serve as a rebuke to

2

archaic : to turn back or keep down : check

rebuker noun

rebuke

2 of 2

noun

: an expression of strong disapproval : reprimand

Synonyms

Verb

• admonish
• chide
• reprimand
• reproach
• reprove
• tick off

Noun

• censure
• commination
• condemnation
• denunciation
• excoriation
• objurgation
• reprimand
• reproach
• reproof
• riot act
• stricture

Choose the Right Synonym for rebuke

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 rebuke in a Sentence

Verb

the father was forced to rebuke his son for the spendthrift ways he had adopted since arriving at college

strongly rebuked the girl for playing with matches

Noun

delivered a stinging rebuke to the Congress, calling for an end to backstabbing and arguing

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Marshall missed a vote in the Senate last week to rebuke Trump’s tariffs against Canada, specifically. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2025

Chief Justice John Roberts responded with a rare public statement rebuking the president. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025

Noun

The incident led to a strong rebuke from U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his recent visit to Georgetown. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025

Democrats campaigned in the three races by focusing their ire on Musk and Trump and crowed afterward that the results were a rebuke to the two men who have been frequently side-by-side during the opening months of the new administration. —Zac Anderson, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French rebucher, rebouker to blunt, check, reprimand

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rebuke

• archduke
• caoutchouc
• fluke
• juke
• kook
• luc
• luke
• nuke
• puke
• souk
• spook

Kids Definition

rebuke

1 of 2 verb

re·​buke ri-ˈbyük 

rebuked; rebuking

: to criticize sharply

rebuke

2 of 2 noun

: an expression of strong disapproval