1
as in disgrace
a cause of shame
your public display of boorish behavior is a reproach to this entire school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in condemnation
an often public or formal expression of disapproval
a letter of reproach was added to her dossier
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3
as in shame
the state of having lost the esteem of others
nothing the traitor did in later life lessened the reproach in which he was universally held
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
our neighbor loudly reproached us for tromping through his yard
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2
as in to reprimand
to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault
she cleared her throat as a way of reproaching us for having our elbows on the table
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3
as in to censure
to express public or formal disapproval of
the governor reproached the legislature for failing to pass the budget on time and once again throwing the state into fiscal chaos
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reproach
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
For these reasons, NBC could financially and politically afford to risk criticism for failing to heed the blacklists; its corporate and political credentials were above reproach.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
6 Mar. 2026
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
According to a live feed from The New York Times, within minutes of the third day starting, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers had to reproach Musk, instructing him to stop being sarcastic and evasive.
—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reproach
Noun
Key administration allies may be trying to help Warsh dodge reproach for splitting off.
—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
For these reasons, NBC could financially and politically afford to risk criticism for failing to heed the blacklists; its corporate and political credentials were above reproach.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
Like New Yorkers fighting over favorite neighborhoods, devoted readers often reproach one another for their ignorance of the real Colson Whitehead.
—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
According to a live feed from The New York Times, within minutes of the third day starting, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers had to reproach Musk, instructing him to stop being sarcastic and evasive.
—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reproach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproach
Noun
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Just two years earlier a president had resigned in disgrace after what had been one of the nation’s toughest constitutional challenges, putting immense pressure on Congress and the Supreme Court to respond to a rogue executive branch.
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Shifting gears, my PGA TOUR betting record this season is a disgrace.
Noun
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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.
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The admission drew immediate condemnation from Democratic lawmakers.
Noun
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Women often bear the brunt of the shame and grief that comes from divorce, and for many women, divorce can be seen as a personal failure.
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Concurrently, adult children often feel shame about accepting money and can also feel judged by the older generation.
Verb
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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.
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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.
Verb
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Her Volumnia bellows at her meek daughter-in-law, Virgilia (Justine Faith) as though reprimanding an incompetent private.
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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.
Verb
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Polis was censured by the Colorado Democratic Party in May as a result of his decision letting Peters out of prison.
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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.
Noun
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Plagued by criticism and scandal, it was eventually dissolved by Congress and replaced by a new commission that decided to mostly fund community celebrations.
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Then, the nation was recovering from the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.
Noun
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Criminal charges from contempt of Congress referrals are rare.
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One of the joys of Air, down to the breathy purity of its title, is its contempt for design—an easy target, but one for which Kracht has sharpened his blade.
Cite this Entry
“Reproach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproach. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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