remonstrate

verb

re·​mon·​strate ˈre-mən-ˌstrāt 

ri-ˈmän-

remonstrated; remonstrating

intransitive verb

: to present and urge reasons in opposition : expostulate

—usually used with with

transitive verb

: to say or plead in protest, reproof, or opposition

remonstration

ˌre-mən-ˈstrā-shən 

ri-ˌmän-

noun

remonstrative

ri-ˈmän(t)-strə-tiv 

adjective

remonstratively adverb

remonstrator

ˈre-mən-ˌstrā-tər 

ri-ˈmän-

noun

Synonyms

• demur
• except
• expostulate
• kick
• object
• protest

Examples of remonstrate in a Sentence

He got angry when I politely remonstrated with him about littering.

Recent Examples on the Web

That need to remonstrate has occasionally landed Lai in hot water. —Vic Chiang, Washington Post, 13 Jan. 2024

Last stand Kaplan has otherwise kept defense lawyers on a short leash, frequently remonstrating them for repetitive questioning. —Tory Newmyer, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2023

The defense remonstrates that allowing a 👍 to signify acceptance would open the floodgates of cases coming forward asking for interpretations of various emojis, for example, what does a 👍 or a 👍 mean? —Will Stephenson, Harper's Magazine, 16 Aug. 2023

Several neighbors had remonstrated against the request for variance, for which the Griffith Board of Zoning Appeals granted a favorable recommendation to the town council. —Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin remonstratus, past participle of remonstrare to demonstrate, from Latin re- + monstrare to show — more at muster

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

remonstrate

verb

re·​mon·​strate ri-ˈmän-ˌstrāt 

remonstrated; remonstrating

: to present and urge reasons in opposition

remonstrate with a student for being late