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

Immediately after the miss, Fernandez, who is behind Palmer in a central position, remonstrates with the England international for not letting the ball run through to him. —Anantaajith Raghuraman, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025

As the final whistle blew, Ronaldo approached the fourth official, remonstrating with him over the decision. —Rory Smith, The Athletic, 4 Feb. 2025

Both players received bookings and shortly after the interval, were softly remonstrated by the referee over their conduct. —Megan Feringa, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025

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

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

Rhymes for remonstrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

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