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

Trump and Lemon have long criticized each other, with Trump cheering Lemon’s ouster from CNN in 2023 and the media figure rebuking Trump’s rhetoric during this year’s presidential race. —Joanne Haner, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024

The Biden administration has framed shoring up U.S. supply chains of critical minerals as a matter of national security. China, which has also framed its new measures as a matter of national security, rebuked the U.S. for its export controls. —Ivana Saric, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024

Noun

Los Angeles Unified school principals — saying their workload is too heavy and the pressure to raise student achievement, manage complex budgets and keep campuses safe is too intense — have voted to join the Teamsters union in a rebuke to the leadership of Supt. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024

The comment drew a rebuke from Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry, who said the force is burned out and drained by waves of retirements. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 19 Dec. 2024

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

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