1
as in admonishes
to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault
my piano teacher often reproves me for slouching while playing, observing that good posture helps one play better
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in censures
to express public or formal disapproval of
the principal reproved the hockey team for their display of poor sportsmanship on the ice and ordered that a letter of apology be sent to the other school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dislikes
to hold an unfavorable opinion of
the older generation has always reproved the younger generation's taste in music
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reproves
Verb
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Consequently, the conference is imposing a $5,000 fine and admonishes all institutions to use the ‘out’ designation only if there are no circumstances under which a student-athlete could participate in a game.—
Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
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The report admonishes the Alameda County foster care system for ongoing structural deficiencies, including understaffing and poor record-keeping, while also noting that the agency’s plan to address service gaps may still not be enough to bring it up to standard.—
Verb
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Ellie Mroz, the founder of Ellie Mroz Design, strongly dislikes coming bed-in-a-bag sets for a mix of reasons.—
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If a user dislikes an item, ChatGPT asks for quick feedback on why that might be—style, price or otherwise.—
Verb
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Opposition criticizes the deal Skerrit provided few details on how his island, still facing a housing shortage after Category 5 Hurricane Maria devastated the island in September 2017, plans to accommodate the refugees.—
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Animal rights is not the only point on which Sliwa criticizes the president.—
Verb
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Governance scolds are appalled by the number, as is the pope.—
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Woke scolds and anti-woke dolts alike objected to the image of Carpenter kneeling in front of a man who appears to be using her hair as a leash.—
Verb
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By contrast, Eugenia condemns herself to a future of festering tension and fury.—
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The government condemns the reprehensible attack on innocent students and the killing of school officials who were carrying out their noble duty.—
Verb
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Judge rejects diversion program In November, Yolo Superior Court Judge Paul Richardson rejected Trauernicht’s request to suspend his case and admit him into a mental health diversion program.—
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But Schelling rejects the idea that working in a shop is settling.—
Verb
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Her school blames a heartbreaking tragedy in her family.—
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And in fact, somebody that Victor blames for the death of his beloved mother.—
Verb
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Hamas, which initially accepted the ceasefire text, now denounces the framework as an effort to turn an emergency pause into a permanent security order.—
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One celebrates the beauty and moral uplift of the Sabbath; the other denounces the immorality of the godless in the fiery manner of a tent-revival preacher.—
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Cite this Entry
“Reproves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproves. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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