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censure

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb censure differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of censure are condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," 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 censure?

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

condemned the government's racial policies

When could criticize be used to replace censure?

The words criticize and censure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How do denounce and condemn relate to one another, in the sense of censure?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When can reprehend be used instead of censure?

In some situations, the words reprehend and censure are roughly equivalent. However, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Where would reprobate be a reasonable alternative to censure?

The meanings of reprobate and censure largely overlap; however, reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

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 censure
Noun
The censure so far has cost her a chance to vote on the state's biannual budget and propose a bill to expand access to mental health resources for residents. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025 The mechanism was used and threatened numerous times in the last Congress to push censure, expulsion and impeachment votes. Andrew Solender, Axios, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
That got him into trouble with his party at times, most notably in 2023 when North Carolina Republicans voted to censure him over several matters, including his challenges to certain immigration policies and his gun policy record. Ani Freedman, Fortune, 29 June 2025 Eight months later, the Senate censured him, and he was finished. Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for censure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for censure
Noun
  • As America celebrates its 249th anniversary and a declaration of independence from tyranny on July 4, Bolick's comments represent his most piercing and direct condemnation of actions taken by the country's highest political leaders.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
  • The suppression of dissent drew international condemnation, and the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on Belarus.
    Yuras Karmanau, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Dan Baltic, a co-founder in New Ritual Press and one of tonight’s readers, remembers being reprimanded in 2019 in a writing workshop by a woman who was appalled by the alt-right protagonist of his debut novel, Nutcrankr.
    John McDermott, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2025
  • Though city reprimanded the protesters, the group dissolved shortly after.
    Calista Oetama July 3, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Political dynamics: DeSantis criticized the Florida House for delaying condo relief legislation, while House Speaker Daniel Perez defended the decision to address the issue during the regular session, highlighting the collaborative effort between the House and Senate.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
  • President Trump’s Impact President Trump has been vocal in calling for lower rates, and has repeatedly criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell, going as far as to call for his resignation on July 2.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • An outspoken progressive, Ruffalo frequently condemns the Trump administration's raids, which began in June.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 8 July 2025
  • More than 600 entrepreneurs and venture capitalists condemned the Sequoia Capital VC’s comments about Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Chemical residue can be a primary cause of stiff towels and products like fabric softener can often be to blame.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Palestinians are collectively blamed for not saying or doing things many have been saying and doing.
    Micah Danney, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Firm's recommendations centered around more training The firm did fault a few of the department's actions, notably an Evendale supervisor's decision to pull into the parking lot of a Lockland school building within minutes of elementary school students being dismissed.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • The crew members faulted producers for the hiring of armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter last year.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • This punishes exposure but doesn’t reward preparedness.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Świątek, 24, took an early lead in the competition, and continued at a punishing pace to secure a 6-0, 6-0 win in less than an hour of gameplay.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Censure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/censure. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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