rebuke

1 of 2

verb

re·buke ri-ˈbyük

rebuked; rebuking

transitive verb

: to criticize sharply : reprimand

: to serve as a rebuke to

archaic : to turn back or keep down : check

rebuker noun

rebuke

2 of 2

noun

: an expression of strong disapproval : reprimand

Choose the Right Synonym for rebuke

reprove, rebuke, reprimand, admonish, reproach, chide mean to criticize adversely.

reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

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

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

Example Sentences

Verb the father was forced to rebuke his son for the spendthrift ways he had adopted since arriving at college strongly rebuked the girl for playing with matches Noun delivered a stinging rebuke to the Congress, calling for an end to backstabbing and arguing

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Voters may rebuke the party controlling the White House and Congress amid surging inflation, concerns about crime and pessimism about the direction of the country.

Will Weissert, ajc, 7 Nov. 2022 Voters may rebuke the party controlling the White House and Congress amid surging inflation, concerns about crime and pessimism about the direction of the country.

Will Weissert, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Nov. 2022 Federal prosecutors sought to rebuke the defense's claim Thursday by arguing that the Oath Keepers' messages demonstrate ambitions beyond just providing security for Trump allies.

John Woolley, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2022 In an open letter, Cantrell invoked her identity to rebuke the protesters.

Keeanga-yamahtta Taylor, The New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2022 Peskov did not rebuke Kadyrov for his public attacks on the military Monday, saying that the Chechen leader has made a major contribution to the war on Ukraine.

Robyn Dixon, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Oct. 2022 House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is expected to rebuke President Biden for attacking Republicans during a campaign swing through Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Thursday.

Haris Alic, Fox News, 31 Aug. 2022 Multiple messages show how the hosts were deeply concerned about the rioters and Mr. Trump’s refusal to rebuke them on the day of the attack.

New York Times, 7 June 2022 Should Krakauer’s latest theory challenge these critics’ beliefs and rebuke their claim that McCandless was an idiot?

Diana Saverin, Outside Online, 7 May 2016

Noun

Largescale protests are exceedingly rare in China, where public expressions of dissent are routinely stifled — but a direct rebuke of Xi, the country’s most powerful leader in decades, is extraordinary.

Time, 27 Nov. 2022 Largescale protests are exceedingly rare in China, where public expressions of dissent are routinely stifled — but a direct rebuke of Xi, the country’s most powerful leader in decades, is extraordinary.

Dake Kang And Huizhong Wu, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2022 That rebuke, coupled with the embarrassment brought on by Irizarry’s confession, prompted DEA Administrator Anne Milgram to order an outside review of the agency’s foreign operations, which is ongoing.

Jim Mustian And Joshua Goodman, cleveland, 14 Nov. 2022 That rebuke, coupled with the embarrassment brought on by Irizarry's confession, prompted DEA Administrator Anne Milgram to order an outside review of the agency's foreign operations, which is ongoing.

CBS News, 14 Nov. 2022 That rebuke, coupled with the embarrassment brought on by Irizarry’s confession, prompted DEA Administrator Anne Milgram to order an outside review of the agency’s foreign operations, which is ongoing.

Jim Mustian And Joshua Goodman, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Nov. 2022 That rebuke, coupled with the embarrassment brought on by Irizarry’s confession, prompted DEA Administrator Anne Milgram to order an outside review of the agency’s foreign operations, which is ongoing.

Joshua Goodman, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2022 Just over two weeks after the release of the leaked audio recording of Herrera, De León and fellow Councilmembers Gil Cedillo and Nury Martinez, De León and Cedillo received the strongest rebuke possible from their colleagues: censure.

Benjamin Oreskesstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2022 The rebuke was noteworthy considering Beijing has tacitly approved of Putin’s actions and shown reticence to join the international community’s widespread condemnation of invasion.

Time, 16 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rebuke.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.