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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
Ten Democrats, including Houlahan, voted with Republicans for the censure motion. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 Formal censures, reprimands, and removal from committee posts have become an increasingly common occurrence in the House recent years, as partisan tensions have soared. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
Shortly after Debbi Hixon was sworn in as board chair in November, Fam objected to a code of conduct resolution that would allow the board to censure a member the majority thinks behaved inappropriately. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025 The congressman was also pressed about his vote to censure U.S. Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas, who shouted down Trump during his joint address to Congress last month. Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for censure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for censure
Noun
  • There has been widespread international condemnation, particularly from the UN.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
  • Musk and his team have swept through the government in recent months, slashing federal contracts and cutting staff — drawing applause from Trump allies and condemnation from opponents.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • In 2022, he was reprimanded for oxycodone trafficking.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
  • The Supreme Court on Monday said Broward County Judge Mardi Levey Cohen will be reprimanded June 3 as part of discipline that also includes a 10-day suspension without pay.
    News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Harry and Meghan have been criticized for making money out of projects that criticized the royal family, including through the multiyear, multimillion dollar Netflix deal that the Harry & Meghan documentary was part of.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
  • The document was quickly criticized for errors and citing studies that don’t exist, as first reported by NOTUS, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news site.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Dem lawmaker condemns Trump admin after staff member ends up in handcuffs.
    , FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned the university’s decision to ban Vemuri from the ceremony.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • India blamed Pakistan for the attack, an accusation rejected by Islamabad.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
  • Even the players and the manager blamed us, which of course was all nonsense.
    The Athletic FC Podcast, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • In April, the group Artists for Chicago sent a letter to Johnson signed by more than 200 arts and culture workers further faulting Hedspeth’s leadership.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • Central sharpness is excellent at f/1.4, while the edges of the frame can’t be faulted either, which is incredible news for astrophotographers.
    James Abbott, Space.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • The United States halted a punishing bombing campaign against the Houthis this month, saying the rebels had pledged to stop attacking ships.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
  • The penalty is a mere $200 fine, and members have not been punished for said violations.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Censure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/censure. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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