REPRIMAND Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reprimand' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reprimand are admonish , chide , rebuke , reproach , and reprove . While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke. // reprimanded by the ethics committee

Q: Where would 'admonish' be a reasonable alternative to 'reprimand'?

The synonyms admonish and reprimand are sometimes interchangeable, but admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel. // admonished by my parents to control expenses

Q: When would 'rebuke' be a good substitute for 'reprimand'?

Although the words rebuke and reprimand have much in common, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof. // the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

Q: How do 'reproach' and 'chide' relate to one another, in the sense of 'reprimand'?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding. // reproached him for tardiness // chided by their mother for untidiness

Q: In what contexts can 'reprove' take the place of 'reprimand'?

The meanings of reprove and reprimand largely overlap; however, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault. // gently reproved my table manners

reprimand 1 of 2

noun

ˈre-prə-ˌmand

Definition of reprimand next

as in condemnation

an often public or formal expression of disapproval while reviewing the troops, the officer delivered a curt reprimand to one of the soldiers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reprimand

2 of 2

verb

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings reprimanded the summer intern for her constant tardiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to admonish

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault reprimanded the student for using the lax grammar and punctuation of text messaging in a term paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to censure

to express public or formal disapproval of the president was forced to reprimand the general for publicly voicing his disagreements with the nation's foreign policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprimand contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reprimand are admonish, chide, rebuke, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

Where would admonish be a reasonable alternative to reprimand?

The synonyms admonish and reprimand are sometimes interchangeable, but admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When would rebuke be a good substitute for reprimand?

Although the words rebuke and reprimand have much in common, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

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

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 reprimand?

The meanings of reprove and reprimand largely overlap; however, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of reprimand

Noun

The Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct May 29 issued a public reprimand against Cochise County Superior Court Judge David Thorn for issuing a warrant for the arrest of William Pound. —

Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024 For a team’s second finding of a feigned injury, the head coach will receive a public reprimand, and a financial penalty of $100,000 will be assessed. —

Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

For some reason, despite a new police chief, despite most of the old players being gone, some of whom were reprimanded, there was still some institutional intransigence into really doing the right thing. —

Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024 At one point, when Mr. Mastro raised his hand to make a point after his time had expired, Judge Gordon reprimanded him swiftly. —

Tracey Tully, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reprimand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprimand

Noun

Global condemnation over the lack of transparency prompted Maduro to ask the country’s high court — also filled with allies of his United Socialist Party of Venezuela — to audit the election results.

— Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Its military campaign on Syrian soil has drawn increasing international condemnation.

— Natasha Frost, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025