reprobate 1 of 3

reprobate

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noun

reprobate

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprobate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprobate are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprehend. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

When would censure be a good substitute for reprobate?

The words censure and reprobate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When could condemn be used to replace reprobate?

The synonyms condemn and reprobate are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

Where would criticize be a reasonable alternative to reprobate?

The words criticize and reprobate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 reprobate?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When might reprehend be a better fit than reprobate?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprobate, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

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 reprobate
Adjective
That’s when Regina’s sardonic sister (Wanda Skyes, the show’s co-creator) steps in and lets him and his reprobate pals have it. Jeanne Jakle, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Apr. 2021 For reference, consider the late, reprobate Southwest Conference. Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 13 Jan. 2020
Noun
Like many of Anderson’s protagonists, Gustave is a reprobate of the first order, romancing old ladies for their fortunes and such. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 No decent person, let alone a political movement downstream of the biblical, Judeo-Christian tradition, as American conservatism necessarily is, should lift a finger to welcome such a wretched reprobate to our shores or shield him from justice. Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • Elliot Richardson, the Attorney General, resigned -- resigned rather than carry out the corrupt orders of the president.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Eric Adams, who started his career as a transit cop, was undone in part by his dealings with corrupt old friends from the department.
    Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The cast also includes Eugene Byrd as a young version of classic Spider-Man villain Tombstone, Hugh Dancy as Otto Octavius, MCU star Charlie Cox as Daredevil, Kari Wahlgren as Aunt May, Aleks Le as Amadeus Cho and Jonathan Medina as the villainous Scorpion.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The tournaments pit heroes like Liu Kang, Raiden, and Sonya Blade against such villains as Shang Tsung, Shao Kahn, and Scorpion.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals later rejected a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel against him.
    Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The Senate rejected Democratic and Republican plans to reopen the government Thursday, its seventh attempt to break the stalemate.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • What isn’t known — and what university and fraternity officials have refused to discuss — is what happened in the basement of the three-story house in the 1300 block of West Campus Road, before the young man lost consciousness.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Thomas, alas, can refuse any trade after taking the qualifying offer this summer and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Virginia Democratic Party has not called for Jones to drop out, though several prominent figures, including Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, and Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, have issued statements denouncing the messages.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Dozens of colleagues, including Burgos, signed a letter denouncing Mamdani and his co-sponsors.
    Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In Alzheimer’s, this transport system often becomes clogged or degraded.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Under her leadership, the NYBG’s research team has expanded to 81 projects across 79 countries to conserve disappearing plant species, restore degraded ecosystems, and breed crops to withstand drought, sea level rise and extreme heat under climate change.
    Eduardo Garcia, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • An extermination of the brutes in the Middle East, presided over by Obama’s successors, has been followed by a swift cancellation by Trumpian decree of the postracial age.
    Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Each fits into typical RPG classes — with Armon being the close combat brute, Harlow the magical crowd control specialist, Rafa the agile rogue, and Vex serving as a summoner who calls on minions to do the dirty work.
    George Yang, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Both initially denied the affair, though Rimes later admitted to it.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • This is what happens when any people and their history are denied, forgotten, declared disposable.
    Kevin Powell, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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