reprobate 1 of 3

Definition of reprobatenext

reprobate

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noun

reprobate

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprobate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprobate are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprehend. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

When would censure be a good substitute for reprobate?

The words censure and reprobate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When could condemn be used to replace reprobate?

The synonyms condemn and reprobate are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

Where would criticize be a reasonable alternative to reprobate?

The words criticize and reprobate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 reprobate?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When might reprehend be a better fit than reprobate?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprobate, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

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 reprobate
Adjective
That’s when Regina’s sardonic sister (Wanda Skyes, the show’s co-creator) steps in and lets him and his reprobate pals have it. Jeanne Jakle, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Apr. 2021 For reference, consider the late, reprobate Southwest Conference. Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 13 Jan. 2020
Noun
But Jaron had a new acquaintance—Nortal, an old reprobate who ran the town dump. Annie Proulx, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025 Like many of Anderson’s protagonists, Gustave is a reprobate of the first order, romancing old ladies for their fortunes and such. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • The corrupt a-s psychopath prosecutors’ office.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The film stars Jake Busey (Stranger Things) as Dirk, a corrupt cop who partners with an eager, broke assistant named Jeff Klima, played by Felix Merback (Blood Star).
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • As the now-45-year-old driver was announced at each racetrack in 2025, Hamlin, after years of embracing the role of villain in a sport in desperate need of one, had a heel-turn to the light.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Built into an old limestone quarry, the winery felt like a Bond villain’s secret lair—sleek, subterranean, and wildly impressive.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Zelenskyy previously stressed that the timing and format of any elections are matters solely for Ukraine and its citizens, rejecting any suggestion that the Kremlin could dictate the process.
    Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The council also rejected, narrowly, a flat 2% increase suggested by Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez in a 7-8 vote.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Protesters stood in front of the main gate and refused to leave.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
  • If at a certain point the person refuses to cooperate, recruiters resort to blackmail, Andriy said, threatening to hand over the correspondence to the SBU.
    Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • China denounced her and demanded a retraction.
    Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Members of Boss' family publicly denounced Holker's choice to write about him in social media posts.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The patriarch’s rage at feeling degraded in America turns the home into a war zone.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The company acknowledges that direct recycling will not replace chemical methods entirely, particularly for mixed or degraded end-of-life batteries.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • For much of his career, Skarsgård has gravitated toward characters who weaponize physical presence — Vikings, tech titans and mythic brutes whose power is immediately legible.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
  • As usual, Lang plays the brute’s Heart of Darkness–esque descent into madness with gleeful relish.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Aljorna and Sosa-Celis denied assaulting the officer.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Decades later, Faraci cooperated with Modrowski’s lawyer during the post-conviction proceedings and submitted two affidavits in 2019 and 2011 denying Modrowski was involved, court records show.
    Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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