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

Examples 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
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 Instead, Killers of the Flower Moon pits white reprobates against indigenous innocents. Armond White, National Review, 20 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for reprobate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • Others, such as Sri Lanka, have oscillated back and forth, with more democratic presidents and corrupt populist autocrats alternating as leaders.
    Larry Diamond, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Activists began showing up at election-board meetings with signs calling Lindsey corrupt.
    Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Just weeks after closing out an incredibly dominant year in music, Rihanna was cast by some fans and members of the media as the villain and endlessly harassed by those who felt Brown did nothing wrong.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 19 Nov. 2024
  • And thus is Cobra Kai Part 2’s biggest reveal with the return of a villain who has disdain for Kreese, LaRusso and Lawrence: the infamous Terry Silver (played by Thomas Griffith) and his ruthless Iron Dragons.
    Demetrius Patterson, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Despite high-profile endorsements and millions of dollars spent on advertising, Colorado voters rejected Initiative 131.
    Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024
  • In 2018, Arizona voters overwhelmingly rejected school vouchers.
    Eli Hager, ProPublica, 9 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The surviving victim of the shooting initially provided some information to police, but after recovering from his injuries denied any knowledge of who shot him and refused to cooperate, authorities said.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Vice President Kamala Harris refused to accept any responsibility for the inflation that has devastated the middle-class and lower-income groups.
    Richard Stacy, The Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • According to Regeneration International, regenerative agriculture describes farming and grazing practices that, among other benefits, reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity - resulting in both carbon drawdown and improving the water cycle.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
  • Flourishing business and secure workers would keep the Sabbath, dress neatly, and avoid taverns and other dens of iniquity that preyed on the degraded poor.
    Bruce J. Schulman / Made by History, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The Penguin's Falcone is every bit the misogynistic brute, but his actions are relegated to the off-screen imagination by being implied, rather than shown.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 24 Oct. 2024
  • The part originally played by Timothy Olyphant has been taken over by Adam Driver—a specialist in magnetic brutes—whose recent movie roles have tended to be titular titans of industry and/or guys with accents.
    Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Motions by Yandell and Sylvester to overturn their guilty verdicts were denied by a federal judge this month and they’re set to be sentenced on Dec. 18, records show.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Georgia officials denied his request and the electoral count went on over his objections.
    The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Frank, who turns 70 next year, is quoted in the series but declined to participate further.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Balancing a business that’s declining but still throws off lots of cash with new streaming imperative has been the top consideration for media companies and a very knotty one.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near reprobate

Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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