reproach 1 of 2

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as in disgrace
a cause of shame your public display of boorish behavior is a reproach to this entire school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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reproach

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reproach contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reproach are admonish, chide, rebuke, reprimand, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," 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 admonish take the place of reproach?

While the synonyms admonish and reproach are close in meaning, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When can rebuke be used instead of reproach?

The words rebuke and reproach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When could reprimand be used to replace reproach?

Although the words reprimand and reproach have much in common, reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

Where would reprove be a reasonable alternative to reproach?

In some situations, the words reprove and reproach are roughly equivalent. 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 reproach
Noun
Pakistan’s military has long used its rivalry with India to legitimize its political and economic power and to place itself above reproach. Aqil Shah, Foreign Affairs, 22 Dec. 2020 From top to bottom, no coach or player is beyond reproach. Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
Year after year, my parents reproached me on the way to and from parent-teacher conferences. Zameena Mejia, refinery29.com, 22 July 2024 After exiting a coffee shop in Tampa, the first lady stopped to reproach a group of reporters questioning her about Joe Biden’s candidacy. Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for reproach 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproach
Noun
  • The riot at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, was a national disgrace.
    The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The ugly scenes culminated in the deaths of five people, left more than 140 police officers injured, and Trump left Washington in disgrace.
    Tess Owen, WIRED, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a top aide to President Trump, drew and quickly dismissed a raft of condemnation from Democratic lawmakers, left-wing politicians abroad and others across the internet after twice making what to some looked like a Nazi salute from an inauguration stage.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Faced with racist quotas and restrictive laws, Perkins dared public condemnation—even enduring a congressional crusade for her impeachment—in a desperate effort to save refugees and relocate them to the United States.
    Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • There is a whole world outside the shame a man brings upon a woman, a world far from that.
    Sheila Heti, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
  • There’s a lot of shame that comes with that, and there is a concern that she won’t be accepted by her friends.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Those opinions are usually punctuated by scolding those who do not immediately comply.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The Anti-Defamation League is scolding Elon Musk after coming to the billionaire titan’s defense earlier in the week.
    James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Instead of a letter of concern, the board officially reprimanded Simmons.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Handler told Parade in a Jan. 3 cover story that the Grace and Frankie star reprimanded her for poor behavior at the event.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Relying on and working with Democrats has frustrated George, who has threatened to censure Burrows, a move that would prevent him from appearing on a primary ballot for two years.
    Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Several board members said they were saddened that they were left with no option other than to censure one of their own members.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Tags Austin hospital scandal Biden administration Defense Department hospitalization Joe Biden Lloyd Austin pentagon Pentagon OIG Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Musk has recently stepped up public comments on British politics, with a particular focus on a decade-old scandal around grooming gangs who targeted young girls in a number of English towns.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Dan Scavino will return to his role as deputy chief of staff, after serving as a longtime Trump communications staffer (he was held in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify in the House Jan. 6 committee investigation, but the Justice Department declined to prosecute him).
    Sara Dorn, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Rudy Giuliani is set to appear in a Washington, D.C., federal courtroom Friday as a federal judge considers a request from two Georgia election workers to hold the former New York City mayor in contempt for allegedly continuing to defame them in violation of a court order.
    Robert Legare, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near reproach

Cite this Entry

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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