as in condemnation
an often public or formal expression of disapproval
even in church we were not free from Mother's familiar reproof of our ingrained tendency to fidget in our seats
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Recent Examples of reproof
In the appeal to you, gentle readers, to email us with your thoughts, questions, reproofs, corrections, jokes, recipes, etc.
—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
9 May 2025
Advertisement China’s Foreign Ministry also issued a vehement reproof.
—
Elaine Kurtenbach,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Dec. 2024
So your best response is either to ignore the remark, which is a reproof in itself, or to make a joke of it.
—
Judith Martin,
The Mercury News,
9 July 2024
Such a man is a proper subject, not for reproof, but for medical treatment.
—
Fitz Hugh Ludlow,
Harper’s Magazine ,
17 Aug. 2022
Preceded by a setting of the Kaddish and opening with an evergreen reproof of antisemitism, the symphony is the kind of music that welcomes reflection.
—
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2022
In response to the reproof, Clicks has issued an apology, and an explanation that at least two other companies were involved in approving the advert.
—
Norma Young,
Quartz Africa,
9 Sep. 2020
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
9 May 2025
Advertisement China’s Foreign Ministry also issued a vehement reproof.
—
Elaine Kurtenbach,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Dec. 2024
So your best response is either to ignore the remark, which is a reproof in itself, or to make a joke of it.
—
Judith Martin,
The Mercury News,
9 July 2024
Such a man is a proper subject, not for reproof, but for medical treatment.
—
Fitz Hugh Ludlow,
Harper’s Magazine ,
17 Aug. 2022
Preceded by a setting of the Kaddish and opening with an evergreen reproof of antisemitism, the symphony is the kind of music that welcomes reflection.
—
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2022
In response to the reproof, Clicks has issued an apology, and an explanation that at least two other companies were involved in approving the advert.
—
Norma Young,
Quartz Africa,
9 Sep. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproof
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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In a largely symbolic reprimand, Senate Democrats succeeded on Tuesday in forcing through a resolution to end the war with Iran.
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The reprimands have gone beyond rhetoric.
Noun
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After passing the Resolutions Committee of the South Dakota GOP, the censure was overwhelmingly voted down, with opponents saying the measure would only help Democrats.
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The House’s periodic descent into politically motivated censure votes, however, could propel them to make a change next year.
Cite this Entry
“Reproof.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproof. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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