censure 1 of 2

Definition of censurenext

censure

2 of 2

verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb censure differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of censure are condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When would condemn be a good substitute for censure?

The synonyms condemn and censure are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

When could criticize be used to replace censure?

The words criticize and censure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How do denounce and condemn relate to one another, in the sense of censure?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When can reprehend be used instead of censure?

In some situations, the words reprehend and censure are roughly equivalent. However, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Where would reprobate be a reasonable alternative to censure?

The meanings of reprobate and censure largely overlap; however, reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

How does the verb censure differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of censure are condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When would condemn be a good substitute for censure?

The synonyms condemn and censure are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

When could criticize be used to replace censure?

The words criticize and censure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How do denounce and condemn relate to one another, in the sense of censure?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When can reprehend be used instead of censure?

In some situations, the words reprehend and censure are roughly equivalent. However, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Where would reprobate be a reasonable alternative to censure?

The meanings of reprobate and censure largely overlap; however, reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of censure
Noun
After a meeting with one of them goes horribly wrong, Devlin and her publicist Sylvie, another a victim of Hollywood’s censure, find revenge offers a unique albeit gruesome ingredient for Glob’s products. Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026 The censure document also states that in 2024, the Board sought to address Ko’s absences by updating its policy to reaffirm meeting importance and participation. Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Democrat was later censured for that. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026 Former Councilman Mario Bravo was censured in 2022 for publicly berating a colleague, a former romantic partner who disagreed with him over a clean-energy initiative. Molly Smith, San Antonio Express-News, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for censure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for censure
Noun
  • In the days and weeks following the Hamas massacre of innocent Israelis on October 7, 2023, students and colleagues alike in his academic community posted fiery condemnations of and expressions of moral disgust toward … Israel.
    Jesse Brown, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Without it, moral disagreement can quickly descend into condemnation.
    Eranda Jayawickreme, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As a result, the officer was reprimanded for violating police department policy, including loss of take-home squad privileges and suspension from off-duty employment.
    Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • If this is for a work assignment, the consequence could be getting reprimanded for either taking too long or producing work of sub-par quality.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Instead, some progressive allies rushed to denounce Israel’s military response while either praising or refusing to condemn Hamas.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and the California Republican Party have been among the few to denounce the online group.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Two advisers to Qatar told me that Global Risk had also conducted background checks and written reports on people linked to campaigns criticizing Qatar; corporate-intelligence firms often provide such open-source research.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • However, in a pair of letters to the editor published in the Journal of Pediatrics, doctors criticized the article as hyped.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Although Ukrainian forces intercepted roughly 90% of the incoming drones, Zelenskyy condemned the bombardment as Russia's direct response to Ukraine's proposal for an Easter ceasefire.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The statement did not condemn the kidnapping or express concern.
    NPR Staff, NPR, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • While viral videos often blame everything from breakouts to dullness on air conditioning alone, Jafari says the reality is less dramatic.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Jones blames that impasse for kicking the financial stability of TSA officers like a football.
    Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The safety board faulted Atmos for not doing more to identify threats posed by expansive soils, noting regulators had been warning about the issue since 2008 and that the NTSB identified expansive soils as a factor in a 2018 Atmos explosion in Dallas that killed one and injured four.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • At the time, many critics faulted its confusing plot.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Moderate exercise helps, but high-intensity overtraining can raise cortisol further, worth knowing if punishing workouts are already part of a stressed routine.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
  • On Wednesday morning, that tally stood at a hefty seven hundred and thirty-four, with cases ranging from the President’s immigration policies to his dismantling of disfavored agencies to his effort to punish law firms to his ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Censure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/censure. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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