censure 1 of 2

Definition of censurenext

censure

2 of 2

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
During the trial, Phelan led the chamber through the impeachment, defended the process and survived Paxton's attempt to replace him in the House and the Texas Republican Party's censure. Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 3 June 2026 Several Democrats joined with Republicans for the censure vote. Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Verb
Lander has also criticized Goldman for voting alongside Republicans to censure Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat and the only Palestinian American serving in Congress, over her use of the phrase from the river to the sea in the immediate aftermath of October 7. Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026 The decision was condemned by numerous other Democrats in the state and the Colorado Democratic Party voted to censure Polis as a result. Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for censure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for censure
Noun
  • Following an inspection in March, the city issued a formal notice of condemnation and order to vacate, as only about 17% of the rooms inspected passed.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • The admission drew immediate condemnation from Democratic lawmakers.
    Ana Ceballos Follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Her Volumnia bellows at her meek daughter-in-law, Virgilia (Justine Faith) as though reprimanding an incompetent private.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Wimbledon fashion is also something that can get patrons in trouble, with Andy Samberg saying he was reprimanded for wearing black jeans in the Royal Box.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Activists and faith leaders denounced the conditions at the office during a press conference the previous day, calling on officials to visit the facility and said there had been bad conditions at the facility for weeks.
    Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Prosecutors call Hearn’s actions a deliberate, violent act causing more than $1,000 in damage, and his attorneys denounce the case as an alarming misuse of government power.
    Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The program posed a massive political problem for Mamdani, who’s been criticized by both his allies and opponents for his stance.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 30 June 2026
  • While state studies have criticized the state’s education governance model, voters have rejected at least four attempts dating back to 1928 to reform the position.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Eight of the primary winners who condemned the Gaza conflict were backed by American Priorities, a new pro-Palestinian super PAC supporting candidates who have been critical of Israel’s military actions.
    Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
  • Lot is often described in the Qurʾān, and in subsequent interpretive traditions, in the role of condemning the men of Sodom for lusting after men rather than women.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Before the earthquakes, the government generally defended its national health system as robust, blaming shortcomings on sanctions imposed by the United States.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • This ruling compels companies to confront systemic biases embedded in their hiring data, rather than solely blaming technology.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • If these rotations fail to get results, will Spo take the blame or will fans forget his history and fault the player who is underperforming?
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026
  • The lawsuit also faulted organizers for not ensuring attendees did not have weapons, tear gas or bear spray, for allowing attendees to enter the festival from multiple unmonitored points and for not imposing security measures after problems at previous events.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Americans across the nation are being asked (or ordered) to conserve water, thanks to widespread drought made even worse by a punishing heat wave.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Congress cannot diminish their pay to punish an unpopular decision.
    Tom Campbell, Oc Register, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Censure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/censure. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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