reprobate 1 of 3

reprobate

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noun

reprobate

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprobate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprobate are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprehend. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

When would censure be a good substitute for reprobate?

The words censure and reprobate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When could condemn be used to replace reprobate?

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

condemned the government's racial policies

Where would criticize be a reasonable alternative to reprobate?

The words criticize and reprobate can be used in similar contexts, but criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How are the words denounce and condemn related as synonyms of reprobate?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When might reprehend be a better fit than reprobate?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprobate, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

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 reprobate
Adjective
That’s when Regina’s sardonic sister (Wanda Skyes, the show’s co-creator) steps in and lets him and his reprobate pals have it. Jeanne Jakle, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Apr. 2021 For reference, consider the late, reprobate Southwest Conference. Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 13 Jan. 2020
Noun
All these years later, all of us remain just as torn about these enormously charismatic reprobates. Will Leitch, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024 Royalty and rock stars mingled with writers, rogues, and reprobates. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • After decades when Ukraine was seen as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, cleaning up its government has been held up as the most important condition for Kyiv to join the European Union and integrate more broadly with the West.
    Olena Harmash, USA Today, 23 July 2025
  • Set in 1987 Oakland, Freaky Tales is a multi-track mixtape of colorful characters – an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a female rap duo, teen punks, neo-Nazis, and a debt collector – on a collision course in a fever dream of showdowns and battles.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • The film is currently filming in London with Joe and Anthony Russo, the directors behind the highest-grossing MCU movies ever, back behind the camera; Downey now playing the chief villain; and a slew of stars from the lost era of Fox's X-Men movies reprising their roles for the first time in years.
    EW.com, EW.com, 24 July 2025
  • In 1994, Hogan joined WCW and reinvented himself as a villain, forming the New World Order (nWo) and ushering in a new era of edgy storytelling.
    Hannah Parry Amanda Castro Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • If anyone else tries such commands, the AGI and ASI reject them summarily.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • New York’s 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Maxwell’s appeal effort last year, finding that the deal drawn up in 2007 and approved the following year only protected Epstein and his coconspirators in South Florida.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The Yankees’ lineup, meanwhile, didn’t put up a fight against Spencer Strider, who refused to surrender a run, walked three and struck out eight over six innings.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
  • Kirton on Friday acknowledged he’d been given the training directive in 2022, but said his attorney advised him against attending or signing the form because Bloomfield leaders refused to show them the investigative report.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • In the kitchen, opt for glass and stainless-steel containers, and throw away degraded plastic tools.
    Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 7 July 2025
  • Shot on low-grade digital cameras that made every image look even more apocalyptic and degraded, the film remains utterly terrifying, boasting excellent supporting turns from Naomie Harris and Brendan Gleeson as Jim’s fellow survivors.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • King's polo playing husband, Bill Mitchell — who went on to become a director for Texaco — became the model for Daisy’s rich brute of a husband, Tom Buchanan.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • This freshly re-imagined Jag is worlds apart from that old German brute, but was similar in the sense of feeling wonderfully light and responsive, and utilizing hydraulic fluid to power its steering.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • When Nguyen refused the search and denied the allegation, one deputy allegedly called him a liar and threatened to arrest him.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
  • Trump denies writing the letter and sued the newspaper's publisher over the story July 18.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Brown-Forman's sales declined 5% in the 2025 fiscal year, partly due to ongoing tariff disputes.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • Attorneys for the three commissioners appointed by Biden reminded the Supreme Court that the justices twice in the past year declined to review appeals court decisions that upheld restrictions on the president’s ability to remove Consumer Product Safety Commission members without cause.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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