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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 sister of Country music legend Dolly Parton, Stella Parton, has issued a rebuke of President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk and Republicans on Friday over recent efforts the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has made. Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025 Cormack was furious, issuing a sharp rebuke, the official said. Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
The jury's decision rebukes the defense's argument Madigan and co-defendant Mike McClain were doing hard-nosed politics as usual. Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 12 Feb. 2025 Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, rebuked the pope for his comments attacking the administration's immigration plan. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebuke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuke
Noun
  • Thailand deported more than 100 of them to China in 2015, drawing condemnation from the international community.
    Michael Sullivan, NPR, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The posts quickly drew condemnation from many users on Truth Social and Instagram, even from people who identified themselves as Republicans.
    Ben Goggin, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Police had stern words for one teenager caught surfing and four others were also reprimanded for putting themselves and others in danger.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Trump and Vance reprimanded Zelensky, accusing him of lacking gratitude for U.S. aid.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • However, the voice resembling Smith Sr.’s goes silent for the remainder of the phone call, as Martinez continues to scold him for his actions.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Shakira storms off Miami nightclub stage after appearing to scold clubgoer for filming up her dress The title of the tour is taken from the singer's 12th studio album, released last year and the first since 2017's El Dorado.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • On Thursday morning, his colleagues returned to the chamber to censure Green by a vote of 224-198-2.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Ten Democrats joined all their Republican colleagues to censure Green.
    Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • At the White House on Friday, Vance also admonished Zelenskyy for not expressing gratitude to the United States.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The Journal has questioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s stances on vaccines, knocked Trump for pulling security privileges for former top aides and admonished him for pardoning Jan. 6 prisoners.
    Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Tristan is doing a surprisingly good job at lecturing the Royal Army Veterinary Corps soldiers about taking care of mules and the like.
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The hostages forum described Moses as an expert agronomist who lectured on agriculture and helped maintain the kibbutz’s community vegetable garden.
    ASSOCIATED PRESS, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • House Majority Leader Matt Moonen condemned Libby in a statement on the House floor.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
  • In an extraordinary illustration of the re-alignment on Ukraine, the U.S. sided with Russia in a vote against a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia, which passed on Monday with the support of the U.S.' traditional Western allies.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Some party leaders have been criticized for using Nazi slogans and downplaying the Holocaust.
    Obed Manuel, NPR, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Hackman was praised for his acting but the movie was fiercely criticized for appearing to whitewash history and marginalize Black characters.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuke. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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