reprobate 1 of 3

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
Whether this is also the outcome for Hozier’s simpering reprobate is up for the listener to decide. Tom Zoellner, SPIN, 29 May 2024 That tirade paralleled a similar rant by Eminem, the token white reprobate and protégé of Dr. Dre’s degenerate Interscope/Death Row combine. Armond White, National Review, 15 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • Taking away a tool that saves millions of Americans money to boost the tax prep industry's profits is another corrupt giveaway to Big Business.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • By the end of the finale episode, Kingpin has essentially taken control of the entire city and the Punisher is kidnapped by the corrupt police but Daredevil is assembling his own army to combat the tyrant.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Children meet superheroes and villains, engage with games and movies, and are greeted by staff in costume.
    Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The soul patch, villain, and walrus facial hair all work with masks while mutton chops and chin curtain don’t.
    Lisa Wood Shapiro, Wired News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ukraine talks downgraded: Rubio cancels London trip The U.S. plan, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly rejected, also appears to block Ukraine's ambition to join the NATO military alliance.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Hours before the scheduled execution on Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a final appeal by Mendoza's attorneys to stop the execution.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The suit alleges that ICE agents repeatedly refused to give VML's father her location and denied him the opportunity to speak for more than a minute to VML's mother.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Listen to this article Three people were arrested and accused of assaulting a taxi cab driver in Norwalk on Thursday after allegedly refusing to pay their cab fare, including one suspect whose alleged combative behavior injured a police officer.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The plan includes 124 projects designed to dredge sand, rebuild degraded marshes, and add levees, floodgates and storm surge barriers.
    Adeel Hassan, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Apple spent years ignoring RCS, allowing iPhones to offer a degraded messaging experience with Android users.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • By the end of the episode, the audience is eager to meet the antihero, the brute, that everyone is talking about.
    Maelle Beauget-Uhl, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Slinging a sports coat over his pajamas, Long pulls up to a curb and finds Tay (Dustin Nguyen), the Vietnamese speaker, plus two silent brutes, Eddie (Phi Vu) and Aden (Dali Benssalah), who muscle into his car and take over everything: the seating arrangements, the air freshener and their driver.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On Thursday, April 3, the city denied that the music festival is happening there, according to a press release translated by Rolling Stone.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • An immigration judge denied her bond request Wednesday, citing her as a flight risk and danger to the community.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • County officials declined to comment on the civil lawsuit.
    USA Today, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The hospital declined to say whether Ikner was one of their patients.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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