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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprehend differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprehend are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Where would censure be a reasonable alternative to reprehend?

The synonyms censure and reprehend are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 reprehend?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprehend, condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

When can criticize be used instead of reprehend?

While the synonyms criticize and reprehend are close in meaning, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How are the words denounce and condemn related as synonyms of reprehend?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When is reprobate a more appropriate choice than reprehend?

The words reprobate and reprehend can be used in similar contexts, but reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprehend
Verb
  • Obama, in turn, has criticized Trump, particularly on issues of democracy and policy.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • And just this week, Pritzker openly criticized Welch after the governor said the speaker did nothing to stop more than one of his members from berating and verbally abusing staff experts from the governor’s administration called in to explain the hemp issues to the Democratic Caucus.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Islam condemns all forms of violence and upholds the sanctity of life.
    Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025
  • As unhappy as many Europeans are about the economy and other issues, the vast majority respect democracy’s prerogatives and condemn its detractors.
    Paul Hockenos, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As suggested in the comments, the dryer could be to blame too.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The bird flu and fears of it are being blamed for the price hikes.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Image Some international commentators, including Robert Reich, the former U.S. labor secretary, also faulted the Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs, which earned huge fees for advising Greece on measures to reduce the book value of part of its debt in order to qualify for euro membership.
    Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Starbucks has denied wrongdoing and faulted the union for breaking off negotiations.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 24 Dec. 2024
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near reprehend

Cite this Entry

“Reprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprehend. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reprehend

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