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reprimand

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprimand contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reprimand are admonish, chide, rebuke, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

Where would admonish be a reasonable alternative to reprimand?

The synonyms admonish and reprimand are sometimes interchangeable, but admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When would rebuke be a good substitute for reprimand?

Although the words rebuke and reprimand have much in common, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

How do reproach and chide relate to one another, in the sense of reprimand?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness
chided by their mother for untidiness

In what contexts can reprove take the place of reprimand?

The meanings of reprove and reprimand largely overlap; however, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

Examples 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 reprimand
Noun
Per the memo, head coaches receive a public reprimand and a $50,000 fine for a first offense; another reprimand and a $100,000 fine for a second offense; and an additional reprirmand and a suspension for his program’s next game for a third offense. Bill Eichenberger, Sportico.com, 2 Nov. 2024 Rokita has also faced disciplinary complaints and a reprimand from the Indiana Supreme Court over some of his conduct in office. Hayleigh Colombo, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
In the months since, Whitaker has criticized and reprimanded the prosecution over its disorganized handling of the case. Justin Curto, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024 Sometimes the moderator might also jump onto that bandwagon and reprimand the missing candidate. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reprimand 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprimand
Noun
  • Inside, 190 lawmakers succeeded in voting against the decree and Yoon was forced to lift martial law just six hours after announcing it, amid widespread condemnation.
    Ivan Watson, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024
  • The declaration followed Marcos Jr.'s signing of legislation clarifying his nation's maritime claims, a move that drew strong condemnation from Beijing.
    Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The Senate hauled Live Nation’s president and CFO in for a public scolding.
    Allison Morrow, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The New York Times reported that Hegseth’s mother had sent him an email scolding him for abusing women.
    Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The House Ethics Committee admonished Gaetz for his comments.
    Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Nov. 2024
  • But even now, Ken admonishes himself for trying to silo da Vinci’s expertise into such restrictive disciplines.
    Hunter Ingram for Variety, ARTnews.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • There have been multiple calls for Clearview to be banned in the U.S. and in Europe it’s been fined and censured in multiple countries.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
  • This comes despite the fact that he was censured by the House for his lies and despite the fact that the whole Russian collusion story was completely debunked.
    Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 18 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • We’re either lectured on the history of our own struggle, or appealed to with dire fearmongering and empty promises while our cries fall on deaf ears.
    Derrick Johnson, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024
  • An increasingly jealous Seth Rollins lectured Sami Zayn about teaming with Roman Reigns after both of them worked so hard to end the Bloodline.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 2 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
  • Their romance had only just been made public in 2016 and Meghan was suddenly engulfed in a storm of reporting from publications all over the world, and from the very newspapers Harry blamed for the death of his mother.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Biden was punished for abandoning border security, resulting in a crisis that forced him to ignore his left flank and put some immigration restrictions back in place.
    Max Thornberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Although this got him over with fans, he was seemingly punished by WWE management with bad booking until he was eventually released in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Mangione was found with a three-page handwritten manifesto criticizing the U.S. healthcare system.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Many people made public statements in support of Thompson, his family, and the capture of his killer, but others on social media celebrated the demise of a powerful figure in an industry often criticized for its denials of healthcare coverage.
    Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near reprimand

Cite this Entry

“Reprimand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprimand. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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