REPROOF Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

reproof

noun

ri-ˈprüf

Definition of reproof

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproof

Noun

El-Sayed put distance between himself and Piker on Wednesday following intraparty condemnation of Piker’s comments on American Jews.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
If an agreement was not reached outside of court, the city filed for condemnation.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of condemnation

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

Definition of reprimand

Noun

Council members thanked Saunders for his apology and the censure item was approved by 4-1 vote, with Saunders as the only no vote.

— James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Cush said Kelley Black’s post about McMillen and Willensky violated two board censure resolutions taken against Kelley Black in 2025.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of censure

Browse Nearby Words

reproductions

reproof

reproofs

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Reproof.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproof. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of reproof

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes