reprimand

1 of 2

noun

rep·​ri·​mand ˈre-prə-ˌmand How to pronounce reprimand (audio)
: a severe or formal reproof

reprimand

2 of 2

verb

reprimanded; reprimanding; reprimands

transitive verb

: to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority
Choose the Right Synonym for reprimand

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 reprimand in a Sentence

Noun while reviewing the troops, the officer delivered a curt reprimand to one of the soldiers Verb The soldiers were severely reprimanded. reprimanded the summer intern for her constant tardiness
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Two supervisors were also disciplined, with one suspended without pay for two days and another receiving a letter of reprimand. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Federal law provides that Srinivasan can dismiss the complaint, find that appropriate corrective action has been taken or appoint a committee to pursue further reprimand. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 29 July 2025
Verb
If the committee finds the charges to be malicious, the accusers may also be reprimanded, suspended, removed from office or expelled. Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025 In October, Redstone publicly criticized McMahon's decision to reprimand CBS News morning anchor Tony Dokoupil over an interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Alex Sherman, CNBC, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reprimand

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French réprimande, from Latin reprimenda, feminine of reprimendus, gerundive of reprimere to check — more at repress

First Known Use

Noun

1636, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reprimand was in 1636

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Cite this Entry

“Reprimand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reprimand. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

reprimand

1 of 2 noun
rep·​ri·​mand ˈrep-rə-ˌmand How to pronounce reprimand (audio)
: a severe or formal criticism

reprimand

2 of 2 verb
: to criticize (a person) severely especially from a position of authority

More from Merriam-Webster on reprimand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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