REPRIMAND Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reprimand' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reprimand are admonish , chide , rebuke , reproach , and reprove . While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke. // reprimanded by the ethics committee

Q: Where would 'admonish' be a reasonable alternative to 'reprimand'?

The synonyms admonish and reprimand are sometimes interchangeable, but admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel. // admonished by my parents to control expenses

Q: When would 'rebuke' be a good substitute for 'reprimand'?

Although the words rebuke and reprimand have much in common, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof. // the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

Q: How do 'reproach' and 'chide' relate to one another, in the sense of 'reprimand'?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding. // reproached him for tardiness // chided by their mother for untidiness

Q: In what contexts can 'reprove' take the place of 'reprimand'?

The meanings of reprove and reprimand largely overlap; however, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault. // gently reproved my table manners

reprimand 1 of 2

noun

ˈre-prə-ˌmand

Definition of reprimand

as in condemnation

an often public or formal expression of disapproval while reviewing the troops, the officer delivered a curt reprimand to one of the soldiers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reprimand

2 of 2

verb

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings reprimanded the summer intern for her constant tardiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to admonish

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault reprimanded the student for using the lax grammar and punctuation of text messaging in a term paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to censure

to express public or formal disapproval of the president was forced to reprimand the general for publicly voicing his disagreements with the nation's foreign policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprimand contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reprimand are admonish, chide, rebuke, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

Where would admonish be a reasonable alternative to reprimand?

The synonyms admonish and reprimand are sometimes interchangeable, but admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When would rebuke be a good substitute for reprimand?

Although the words rebuke and reprimand have much in common, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

How do reproach and chide relate to one another, in the sense of reprimand?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

In what contexts can reprove take the place of reprimand?

The meanings of reprove and reprimand largely overlap; however, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

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 reprimand

Noun

Under the Premier League’s general disciplinary rules, its board can issue a reprimand, impose a fine of up to £100,000 through its summary jurisdiction or refer an alleged breach to an independent commission. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 The internal affairs investigator recommended a verbal reprimand, which was approved by Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

The Missouri Supreme Court ultimately decided to reprimand Zahnd rather than suspend his law license, which did not affect his ability to practice law or his ability to serve as county prosecutor. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026 She has been suspended and reprimanded but also sometimes got her punishments rescinded. — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reprimand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprimand

Noun

The Johnson County pastor and the former rural doctor traded condemnations, repeatedly turning policy questions into opportunities to cast doubt on each other’s character and fitness for office.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Under Ben-Gvir, Israeli police have increasingly allowed Jews to pray at the site, a deliberate provocation to the Arab world, drawing condemnation from Palestinian and Jordanian authorities.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of condemnation

Verb

In a video shared by De La Espriella’s office Tuesday, the president scolds some of the suspects captured by police.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
In a video shared by De la Espriella’s office Tuesday, the president scolds some of the suspects captured by police.

— Manuel Rueda, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of scold

Verb

The move quickly drew widespread criticism and later a formal House resolution admonishing the four-term congressman.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
David’s view If Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan’s Senate race next month, the Saturday clip of him admonishing a GOP activist about freedom of religion will achieve legendary status in his party.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of admonish

Verb

At a time when everyone is asking where men fit in, this film doesn’t lecture.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
Respondents in England and Australia were more likely to associate teaching with institutional, credentialed and paid professional roles, such as nursing, lecturing and social work.

— Gustavo E. Fischman, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of lecture

Verb

That set off the wave of youth protests that blamed the collapse on high-level corruption and cronyism during renovation work at the station.

— JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Anything this pair does for the next several months that is not together will be scrutinized, dissected, interpreted, and ESPN can only blame itself.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of blame

Verb

The course is august and sweeping, with long straights and punishing curves, framed by the tall pine trees of a former royal park.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Cam Skattebo was surprisingly punished for his fumbling issues, but there is precedence in John Harbaugh’s coaching history.

— Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of punish

Verb

Vance has neither criticized his friend nor publicly nudged Carlson to temper what’s been harsh criticism of Israel — and Trump’s cultivation of the Netanyahu government.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
At an October debate, Bass pointed out that Raman, as chair of the city council’s housing and homelessness committee, had repeatedly approved spending on Inside Safe, the very program Raman now criticizes as expensive and insufficiently accountable.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of criticize

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reprieving

reprimand

reprimanded

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Style

“Reprimand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprimand. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of reprimand

noun

verb

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