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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
  • Mangione was found with a three-page handwritten manifesto criticizing the U.S. healthcare system.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Some civil rights advocates sharply criticized Trump’s choice.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The official added that the document condemned the healthcare industry for prioritizing profits over care.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have condemned Israel’s incursion, accusing it of exploiting the disarray in Syria and violating international law. Turkey, which has been a main backer of the Syrian opposition to Assad, also condemned Israel’s advance.
    Sarah El Deeb, Bassem Mroue, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • President-elect Donald Trump called for nonintervention in Syria, blaming the escalating situation on former President Barack Obama.
    Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Erdogan appeared to blame the developments on Assad’s refusal to enter a dialogue with Turkey.
    Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Either way, any outlook on higher education next year cannot be faulted for caution or even pessimism, though it’s likely driven far more by uncertainty than the status of the marketplace itself.
    Derek Newton, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Derik Queen isn’t bothered by freshman jitters Hardly anyone would have faulted the precocious youngster from Baltimore for feeling a little heat in his first true road game of the season in a hostile environment like the one created by the crowd at Mackey Arena.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 8 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 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on reprehend

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