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rebuke

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rebuke contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rebuke are admonish, chide, reprimand, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When is it sensible to use admonish instead of rebuke?

While in some cases nearly identical to rebuke, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When would reprimand be a good substitute for rebuke?

The words reprimand and rebuke can be used in similar contexts, but reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

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

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 rebuke?

Although the words reprove and rebuke have much in common, 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 rebuke
Noun
The historic vote last November offered a fierce rebuke of statewide Republicans who had spent decades restricting access. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2025 The remarks rank among the Church’s sharpest rebukes of the war. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
This week, a federal judge sharply rebuked the agency’s use of masks. Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 In the father-daughter opening scene, Willa rebukes her loving, but paranoid stoner father for his lifestyle. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebuke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuke
Noun
  • Absent due process, there’s no pause to decide whether this person should be condemned or if the reason given for condemnation is legitimate.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • And when families lead with compassion instead of condemnation, recovery happens faster and lasts longer.
    Essence, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Parents’ ongoing protest of teacher removal Rupert has received an outpouring of support since she was reprimanded and transferred to Isador Cohen Elementary for pulling up old carpet in her classroom.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • When conversation veers into controversial territory, Gott suggests redirecting rather than reprimanding.
    Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • George Clooney is looking back at one of the more surreal moments from his early Hollywood days — getting personally scolded by the legendary Frank Sinatra.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2025
  • That is the adage used to scold someone whose gaze is fixed on a particular subject a little too long.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The City Council was scheduled to decide at tonight’s meeting on whether to censure Chua – or formally express their disapproval of her actions.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
  • This could include sanctioning, censuring or suspending a judge, or recommending a judge be removed from office.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Cursing, Porter admonished the staffer for appearing in the background of the shot.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Consequently, the conference is imposing a $5,000 fine and admonishes all institutions to use the ‘out’ designation only if there are no circumstances under which a student-athlete could participate in a game.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But Andres Bernal, a political analyst who lectures at the City University of New York, thinks many young voters look at Cuomo's history of controversy and are reminded of the Democratic Party establishment that has left them disillusioned.
    Brian Mann, NPR, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Before the Orange Bowl in January, Penn State head coach James Franklin used his dual pregame press conference with Marcus Freeman to lecture the college football world on his belief that Notre Dame should join a conference.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This comes almost a year after Maccabi supporters were beaten and injured in violent clashes in Amsterdam ahead of a Europa League game against Ajax, which Dutch authorities condemned as antisemitic.
    Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Minnesota Vikings condemned the vile racist message defensive back Isaiah Rodgers received following the team’s 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In recent months, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has repeatedly criticized Tucker Carlson.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canada on Saturday over a TV ad featuring footage of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuke. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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