reproach 1 of 2

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as in disgrace
a cause of shame your public display of boorish behavior is a reproach to this entire school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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reproach

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reproach contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reproach are admonish, chide, rebuke, reprimand, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," 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 admonish take the place of reproach?

While the synonyms admonish and reproach are close in meaning, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When can rebuke be used instead of reproach?

The words rebuke and reproach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When could reprimand be used to replace reproach?

Although the words reprimand and reproach have much in common, reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

Where would reprove be a reasonable alternative to reproach?

In some situations, the words reprove and reproach are roughly equivalent. However, 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 reproach
Noun
In one fell swoop, that verdict rejected decades of Madigan and his loyalists polishing the image of the once-mighty speaker as a politician above reproach, a statesman who never crossed the line, a lawyer with a personal code of conduct that kept him on the straight and narrow. Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025 These leaders tend to maintain an image of invulnerability, staying above reproach and immune to personal or professional setbacks. Alan Fleischmann, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
Year after year, my parents reproached me on the way to and from parent-teacher conferences. Zameena Mejia, refinery29.com, 22 July 2024 After exiting a coffee shop in Tampa, the first lady stopped to reproach a group of reporters questioning her about Joe Biden’s candidacy. Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for reproach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproach
Noun
  • The lack of mathematical proficiency is a disgrace.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
  • That both president and country are a disgrace and everyone knows it?
    Ken Dryden, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2025
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
Noun
  • The much bigger shame with Social Security is that it’s forced savings sans any kind of equity component.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • There’s no shame at this no-audition choir that’s teaching Angelenos to sing.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Omari Hardwick scolded an interviewer who misquoted him in a seeming attempt to stir up drama between the actor and Power producer 50 Cent.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • On Wednesday, the couple jokingly addressed the awkward interview in which Hilaria scolded Alec for interrupting her during a red carpet moment that has since gone viral.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Logical consistency would require these legislators to reprimand PURA’s rigid approach and call for more regulatory flexibility so utilities can invest proactively in essential cybersecurity measures.
    Brian Harrell, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025
  • As John Cena and The Rock's Third Man WWE Could Steal Away Top AEW Star: Report Strickland recounted a meeting with Vince McMahon, where the group was reprimanded for a member's aggressive phone call to a WWE office employee regarding B-Fab's flight details.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The move — which was censured by foreign automakers and leaders and led to the fall of shares in stocks for companies like General Motors and Ford, per the Associated Press — escalated tensions in a looming trade war.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Drexel University in Philadelphia was censured for not pursuing tougher disciplinary measures when a vocally pro-Israeli Jewish student’s dorm room was set on fire three days after the Hamas attacks.
    Helen Coster and Julia Harte, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Using the couple's wedding to distract from a political scandal, Barbara's parents decide to visit Val's dads, who must pretend to be straight, resulting in Albert masquerading as a middle-aged woman.
    Stacy Lambe, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Burke’s career was plagued by scandal, including a dozen internal complaints on his official file.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Violations would be enforceable under New York’s criminal contempt laws, ensuring accountability.
    Eric Gonzalez, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But the contempt seems to be even louder behind closed doors.
    Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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