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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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprehend
Verb
  • In a 1907 essay, the writer Ito Sakon criticized the idea of escaping the hot urban summer, instead presenting the heat as an opportunity for self-improvement.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 2025
  • But McGregor faces an uphill task to get his name on the ballot as few Irish lawmakers share his vehement anti-immigrant views, and many publicly criticized him after the civil case last November.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • President Donald Trump in his election campaign condemned student protests against Israel's military action in Gaza, which followed the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Immediately, a slew of over 400 A-list Hollywood power players condemned such an action.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The guidance came after several GOP lawmaker town halls went viral for protests and complaints about the Trump administration, which Republicans have blamed on Democratic activists.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza blamed the Israeli military, which denied targeting the compound.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Whereas, for example, if AI is part of a feature set, one component faulting does not necessarily cause the user to feel their tasks have been impeded.
    Agur Jõgi, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Critics also fault a lack of government investment in infrastructure.
    Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Reprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprehend. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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