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

But as much as Swift rebuked Baldoni’s legal tactics, others have taken the statement to mean that Swift is finally done with Lively after more than 10 years of friendship and is going on the record to create distance between them. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 12 May 2025

Cheney offered her praise of the new pope on X, while using the post to rebuke Trump as well. —Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025

Noun

Pritzker’s time in Harvard leadership marked by criticism Ackman’s rebuke this week wasn’t the first time Pritzker has faced a call to resign. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 6 May 2025

Carney’s Liberal Party scored a stunning comeback victory in a vote widely seen as a rebuke of Trump, whose trade war and attacks on Canadian sovereignty outraged voters. —Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 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