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. denounce
  2. criticize
  3. condemn
  4. blame
  5. fault
Verb
  • Rojas was never treated by a physician while at El Helicoide, where human rights groups have denounced cases of cruel, inhuman treatment and torture.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
  • In a 2024 reflection on Hurricane Maria, which leveled parts of Puerto Rico and left many without power for months, Bad Bunny denounces the government's role in the chaos that ensued after the Category 4 storm swept through the island.
    — Luis Giraldo, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of denounce
Verb
  • Public health experts also criticized the president for making unfounded claims about highly politicized health issues.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Trump has criticized the selection of Bad Bunny, and rock band Green Day, to perform at the Super Bowl.
    — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • The couple saw major flood damage during the same set of storms, with a wall collapsing and the house later condemned by the city.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
  • In an internal memo last year, Prasad wrote that the streamlined method would no longer be permitted – leading more than a dozen former FDA commissioners to pen an editorial condemning the statements.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of condemn
Verb
  • Cuban officials have said existing US economic sanctions are largely to blame for the energy crisis, although critics also fault a lack of government investment in infrastructure.
    — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • But Connecticut Republicans — along with some Democrats — have for a long time blamed the lack of ample gas supply for the region’s high energy costs.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of blame
Verb
  • Cuban officials have said existing US economic sanctions are largely to blame for the energy crisis, although critics also fault a lack of government investment in infrastructure.
    — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • But Republicans faulted her staff for not catching First Liberty.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
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 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reprehend

Nglish: Translation of reprehend for Spanish Speakers

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