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
Florida and Texas have already allowed concerts to resume, though not without some issues: Steve Aoki and Diplo each got warnings from local police and reproof from the mayor of Tampa, Fla., for performing in front of maskless crowds during Super Bowl weekend in February.
—Dave Brooks, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2021
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
Florida and Texas have already allowed concerts to resume, though not without some issues: Steve Aoki and Diplo each got warnings from local police and reproof from the mayor of Tampa, Fla., for performing in front of maskless crowds during Super Bowl weekend in February.
—Dave Brooks, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2021
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
-
Reporting on this new policy prompted public condemnation as well as a letter of inquiry from senior House Republicans.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
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The bill drew swift condemnation from rights groups and Muslim-majority countries including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.—
Gonzalo Zegarra,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Jordan, who has served as a circuit judge since 2011, could face a public reprimand for his actions.—
Camila Gomez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
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If the ethics charges are upheld, the congresswoman could face a humiliating report, a public reprimand like censure or even expulsion from the House.—
Lauren Peller,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In April, the committee will recommend a punishment to be voted on by the full House, something that could range from a censure, removal from committees, or expulsion itself.—
Barbara Sprunt,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The Ethics Committee will now hold a meeting to discuss potential consequences, and the matter could come up for full House vote on her censure or expulsion.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reproof.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproof. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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