rebuke 1 of 2

Definition of rebukenext

rebuke

2 of 2

verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rebuke contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rebuke are admonish, chide, reprimand, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When is it sensible to use admonish instead of rebuke?

While in some cases nearly identical to rebuke, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When would reprimand be a good substitute for rebuke?

The words reprimand and rebuke can be used in similar contexts, but reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

How do reproach and chide relate to one another, in the sense of rebuke?

Both 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 reprove take the place of rebuke?

Although the words reprove and rebuke have much in common, 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 rebuke
Noun
His unwillingness to back Hilton drew a roundabout rebuke from California Republican Party Chair Corrin Rankin. Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026 That is likely to draw sharp rebukes from fiscal hawks and other conservatives who question whether billions in tax dollars should be used to pick up costs that would otherwise be paid by enrollees or by the supplemental insurance plans many purchase to do so. Julie Appleby, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Verb
Voters in the once-reliable Labor stronghold of Makerfield handed Burnham nearly 55% of the vote, rebuking both Starmer’s faltering government and surging right-wing challenger Reform UK. Kwiyeon Ha, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum recently issued one of the strongest rebukes yet. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuke
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
  • Soon though, Shawna noticed some of Zaayer's strange behaviors — including scolding her grandson, getting upset over cleaning habits and allegedly showing them racist videos.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • Justice Barrett actually sounded kind of sharp, almost scolding, in the opinion in her criticism of the assertions made by the plaintiffs and some of the justices in the minority.
    John E. Jones III, The Conversation, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Polis was censured by the Colorado Democratic Party in May as a result of his decision letting Peters out of prison.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The South Dakota Republican Party on Friday voted down a measure to censure Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) after the Senate failed to advance the SAVE America Act.
    Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Regardless, this issue could have resolved if the Giants had issued a statement straight away either defending their players’ First Amendment right to express their views or admonishing them for violating the term of the CBA.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • In the viral video after the shooting, neighbors can be heard angrily admonishing officers for killing the dog.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Some commentators in the United States have taken the opportunity to lecture Europeans, and perhaps even indulge in a little schadenfreude.
    Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
  • The work, then, is not to lecture communities into trusting us.
    Tyler Evans, Sun Sentinel, 28 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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