reproach

1 of 3

noun (1)

re·​proach ri-ˈprōch How to pronounce reproach (audio)
Synonyms of reproach
1
: an expression of rebuke or disapproval
looked at them with reproach
2
: the act or action of reproaching or disapproving
was beyond reproach
3
a
: a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace
The situation is a scandal and a reproach to the entire school.
b
: discredit, disgrace
brought shame and reproach to the family
4
obsolete : one subjected to censure or scorn
reproachful
ri-ˈprōch-fəl How to pronounce reproach (audio)
adjective
reproachfully
ri-ˈprōch-fə-lē How to pronounce reproach (audio)
adverb
reproachfulness noun

reproach

2 of 3

verb

reproached; reproaching; reproaches

transitive verb

1
: to express disappointment in or displeasure with (a person) for conduct that is blameworthy or in need of amendment
2
: to make (something) a matter of reproach
3
: to bring into discredit
reproachable
ri-ˈprō-chə-bəl How to pronounce reproach (audio)
adjective
reproacher noun
reproachingly
ri-ˈprō-chiŋ-lē How to pronounce reproach (audio)
adverb

reproachfulness

3 of 3

noun (2)

re·​proach·​ful·​ness
-fəlnə̇s
plural -es
: the quality or state of being reproachful

Synonyms of reproach

Relevance

Noun (1)

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for reproach

reprove, rebuke, reprimand, admonish, reproach, chide mean to criticize adversely.

reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness
chided by their mother for untidiness

Examples of reproach in a Sentence

Noun (1) A bug in the logic of a design, though discovered and fixed in the lab, stands as a slight reproach to the designer. —Tracy Kidder, The Soul of a New Machine, 1981
Yes, he told them, when he came, it was quite true that they would have to pay interest. And then Teta Elzbieta broke forth into protestations and reproaches, so that the people outside stopped and peered in at the window. —Upton Sinclair, The Jungle, 1906
"He's the finest boy in England," the father said in a tone of reproach to her, "and you don't seem to care for him, Becky, as much as you do for your spaniel.  … " —William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, 1847
She looked at him with reproach. Accusations and reproaches from both parties made it difficult to pursue discussions. His conduct has brought shame and reproach to his family. Verb Parents and teachers gaped at the young writers, uncertain whether to reproach or praise these young adults for their language in writing about decidedly adult issues. —Tobi Jacobi, English Journal, March 2007
For years I fretted over these questions and reproached myself for not having taken that diary when it was offered to me in 1945. —John Hope Franklin, Race and History, 1989
She did not reproach herself with her failure; but she would have been happier if there had been less discrepancy between her words to Sophy Viner and the act which had followed them. —Edith Wharton, The Reef, 1912
our neighbor loudly reproached us for tromping through his yard she cleared her throat as a way of reproaching us for having our elbows on the table
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
The point is not that the past was better or that these presidents were beyond reproach. — William Muck, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 Journalists are not above reproach. — Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
Verb
We are reproached for being too thin or too plump, for eating too little or too much. — Kristina Kasparian, Longreads, 12 Nov. 2024 As expected, Carly didn’t take the bait, reproaching Z for referring to her daughter by her last name, spy style. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproach

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Verb

Middle English reproche, from Anglo-French, from reprocher to reproach, from Vulgar Latin *repropiare to bring close, show, from Latin re- + prope near — more at approach

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reproach was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing reproach

Rhymes for reproach

See All Rhymes for reproach

Browse Nearby Words

repro
reproach
reproachable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reproach. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reproach

1 of 2 noun
re·​proach ri-ˈprōch How to pronounce reproach (audio)
1
a
: something that deserves blame or disgrace
their dirty yard is a reproach to the whole street
b
: loss of reputation : disgrace
2
: the act or action of disapproving
was beyond reproach
3
: an expression of disapproval
reproachful
-fəl How to pronounce reproach (audio)
adjective
reproachfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce reproach (audio)
adverb
reproachfulness noun

reproach

2 of 2 verb
: to find fault with : blame
reproached him for his cowardice
reproachable
-ˈprō-chə-bəl How to pronounce reproach (audio)
adjective
reproacher noun
reproachingly
-ˈprō-chiŋ-lē How to pronounce reproach (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on reproach

Nglish: Translation of reproach for Spanish Speakers

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