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
Whether this is also the outcome for Hozier’s simpering reprobate is up for the listener to decide. Tom Zoellner, SPIN, 29 May 2024 That tirade paralleled a similar rant by Eminem, the token white reprobate and protégé of Dr. Dre’s degenerate Interscope/Death Row combine. Armond White, National Review, 15 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • Is that the median voter assumes everyone is corrupt already?
    Bluesky Social, Bluesky Social, 11 Mar. 2025
  • While Democrats have tried to put human faces on the ranks of the federal employees who have been abruptly fired, inviting some to sit in the gallery at the president's speech to Congress, Trump has portrayed the workforce with a broad brush as bloated, unproductive and even corrupt.
    Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The real villains, says Mozaffarian, are excessive amounts of refined grains, starches, and sugars, as well as salt and other preservatives, chemical additives, and contaminants from packaging.
    Sarah Boden, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Quinn is such a mustache-twirling villain throughout that his interactions with Reacher feel overly cartoonish.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Albritton has rejected the idea of passing an open carry bill this year.
    Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
  • While some states complied and the NCAA revised its own trans athlete policy, states like Minnesota have rejected changes to their policies.
    Scott Thompson, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In hearings at the Constitutional Court, which is deliberating whether to formally remove Mr. Yoon from office, both Lieutenant General Lee and Lieutenant General Yeo refused to discuss details of their roles for fear that their testimony would be used against them during their own criminal trials.
    Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • In response, the woman not only refused to bake a cake this year but also skipped the party altogether.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Meier is among the authors of a WWF report that outlines steps towards restoring, conserving, and sustainably managing grasslands, and urges for them to be included in global UN targets aiming to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems and 30% of terrestrial and aquatic environments by 2030.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Tragically, the Chesapeake remains significantly degraded and its overall water quality has improved only marginally after 41 years.
    Gerald Winegrad, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • By the end of the episode, the audience is eager to meet the antihero, the brute, that everyone is talking about.
    Maelle Beauget-Uhl, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Slinging a sports coat over his pajamas, Long pulls up to a curb and finds Tay (Dustin Nguyen), the Vietnamese speaker, plus two silent brutes, Eddie (Phi Vu) and Aden (Dali Benssalah), who muscle into his car and take over everything: the seating arrangements, the air freshener and their driver.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In most fields workers are prone to deny a problem and even pretend to enjoy the abuse.
    James L. Edwards III, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The Idaho Senate this week approved a joint resolution to deny voters the authority to legalize cannabis through a statewide ballot initiative.
    A.J. Herrington, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Columbia officials declined to comment on the pending litigation.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Representatives for Boeing declined to comment on the matter.
    Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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