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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
Once an extremely rare action, censure has become more common in recent years as Congress has become more polarized along partisan lines. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025 The Indiana Democratic Party in December adopted a new code of conduct that allows for the possibility of disciplinary action — which could include censure, suspension and a ban — for those who violate the code. Eric Larsen, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
The president’s heavily critical comments came on the same day the House of Representatives voted to censure Green for his antics. Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 Bera was one of 10 Democrats who voted to censure, or formally rebuke, Green. Nicole Nixon, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for censure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for censure
Noun
  • As news of the article's removal drew widespread condemnation on social media, Ullyot released a statement attempting to explain the administration's rationale.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Mahmoud Khalil's detention by ICE agents supervised by the White House has drawn widespread condemnation from civil rights and legal advocacy groups.
    Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The controversy is intensifying, with U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts having now publicly reprimanded the president after a social media post in which Trump called for the impeachment of Chief Judge James Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C. — the ...
    Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 19 Mar. 2025
  • At the time, the House of Representatives, with the Democrats holding the majority, voted to reprimand Wilson, who later issued an apology to Obama.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In a 1907 essay, the writer Ito Sakon criticized the idea of escaping the hot urban summer, instead presenting the heat as an opportunity for self-improvement.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Many people — including celebrity moms like Allison Kuch and fellow SYTYCD alum Witney Carson — have taken to the brand's Instagram comments section to criticize Happiest Baby.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The rhetoric Trump used against him was so extreme, even the Justice Roberts condemned him!
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Immediately, a slew of over 400 A-list Hollywood power players condemned such an action.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Last month, an ICE supervisor in Charlotte blamed McFadden when a Honduran national charged with domestic violence walked free.
    Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Asked for comment on Musk’s remarks and proof that immigrants living in the United States without legal status were to blame for the fraud, the White House didn’t offer any.
    Jane C. Timm, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Whereas, for example, if AI is part of a feature set, one component faulting does not necessarily cause the user to feel their tasks have been impeded.
    Agur Jõgi, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Critics also fault a lack of government investment in infrastructure.
    Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Counties with Republican executives were punished by receiving no vaccination site for months.
    Ryan Silverstein, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • European leaders view the EU as an alliance focused on preventing wars after World War II, not punishing the United States, as Trump suggests.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Censure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/censure. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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