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

Example 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
Redman – Muddy Waters Too An esteemed emcee whose penmanship is above reproach, Redman is one of the most lauded rappers of all-time. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 27 Dec. 2024 Early in the film, Samuel offers the same reproach to Romy, and the unexpected flicker of paternalism is part of what catches her interest. Alex Barasch, The New Yorker, 9 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
  • And this statement is a disgrace to the DOJ and the rule of law.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Multiple clubs were sold in the aftermath, while a long list of coaches and general managers were dismissed or stepped down in disgrace.
    Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Thailand deported more than 100 of them to China in 2015, drawing condemnation from the international community.
    Michael Sullivan, NPR, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The posts quickly drew condemnation from many users on Truth Social and Instagram, even from people who identified themselves as Republicans.
    Ben Goggin, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The production has a lot of recorded sound and this has its issues; some of the language therein is inaudible, which is a shame, albeit something easily corrected.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025
  • No American travels abroad without blushing for shame for his country on this subject.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • However, the voice resembling Smith Sr.’s goes silent for the remainder of the phone call, as Martinez continues to scold him for his actions.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Shakira storms off Miami nightclub stage after appearing to scold clubgoer for filming up her dress The title of the tour is taken from the singer's 12th studio album, released last year and the first since 2017's El Dorado.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Lambert made headlines for stopping mid-show to reprimand an audience member who was doing just that.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 17 Feb. 2025
  • The World’s Best Hospitals 2024 By Dr. Thomas Lee Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 In the pilot episode of HBO's new medical drama The Pitt, a dedicated ER doctor is reprimanded for his low Press Ganey patient satisfaction scores.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But Joseph Pirtle, the state bar’s counsel, told the Idaho Statesman that the court chose censure — a formal statement of condemnation — after considering its own precedents and the American Bar Association’s standards for sanctioning lawyers.
    David Staats, Idaho Statesman, 22 Feb. 2025
  • That stunt moved his fellow City Council members to censure him in a 6-3 vote, calling his questionable posting unauthorized, insensitive and disgraceful.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Trump isn't the only politician to capitalize on scandal.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The scandal led seven DOJ officials to resign, as well as four of Adams' top deputies.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In 1957, he was indicted by a federal grand jury on 10 counts of contempt and, after years of legal wrangling, in 1961, convicted and sentenced to a year in prison.
    Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The lowest score is reserved for expressions of contempt and calls for violence against one’s opponents; the highest is awarded to those treating others with dignity.
    Kellen Browning, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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