Definition of reprehendnext
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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
Verb
  • The Sacramento City Council restored funding to a youth violence prevention grant and vowed to keep pools open after residents denounced cutting services to plug a $66 million budget deficit.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
  • The president of Beard’s own university, Columbia, denounced him.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Renter Mandy Feng, who prefers to use a pseudonym for fear of being seen criticizing the authorities, said the stimulus the government is offering has failed to offset people’s anxiety over an uncertain economic outlook.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
  • At the time of the women’s march, Cannes organizers were being criticized for failing to do more to publicly acknowledge the #MeToo and Time’s Up initiatives.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • At the commissioner’s court meeting, area residents universally condemned the idea, variously calling it a Trojan horse, a foothold, a wasp’s nest, and a bribe.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • Shame on any educational institution that censors speech condemning it.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The president blamed him for a massive sewage spill and excluded him from a historically bipartisan governors' meeting at the White House.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 19 May 2026
  • Under fire for recording a 2024 confidential legal visit between a lawyer and her client, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office has responded by blaming the attorney, using an argument that one judge has already cast doubt on in court.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Trantalis faulted Williams for not sharing key information with the commission.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
  • The legal filing also faults the company’s handling of smoke damage claims, including denials of payments for hygienic testing.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Reprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprehend. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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