reprehend

verb

ˌre-pri-ˈhend How to pronounce reprehend (audio)
Definition of reprehendnext
1
as in to denounce
to declare to be morally wrong or evil that denomination reprehends murder in any form, contending that the taking of life is never justified

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to criticize
to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of without exception, book reviewers reprehended the novel's tired plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprehend differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprehend are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Where would censure be a reasonable alternative to reprehend?

The synonyms censure and reprehend are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 reprehend?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprehend, condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

When can criticize be used instead of reprehend?

While the synonyms criticize and reprehend are close in meaning, 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 reprehend?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When is reprobate a more appropriate choice than reprehend?

The words reprobate and reprehend can be used in similar contexts, but reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprehend
  1. criticize
  2. condemn
  3. blame
  4. fault
Verb
  • She was criticized by some for her expensive timepiece and for using prisoners as production props.
    — Michael Collins, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Those signings by Guerin were, at the time, criticized as being premature.
    — Joe Smith, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • Trump didn’t exactly condemn the missile strikes on Kyiv, the country’s second largest city.
    — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • On Friday, multiple freedom of the press organizations condemned the administration's latest move.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of condemn
Verb
  • And even in his case, Hunt has done his best work at guard and didn’t become the solution at tackle that some envisioned (for reasons for which he shouldn’t be blamed).
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Californians can blame the commissioner’s good intentions.
    — Max Taves, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of blame
Verb
  • One board member defended the district’s decision, while another faulted it.
    — Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Cohen faulted big law firms for not standing up to Trump as they would be expected to do for any of their clients.
    — Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of fault
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.

Browse Nearby Words

repossessions
reprehend
reprehended
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Cite this Entry

“Reprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprehend. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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