1
as in admonishing
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 reprimanding
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 disliking
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 reproving
Verb
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These ridiculous charges led Swifties to bemoan the current political climate, admonishing left-leaning commentators for going overboard in their attempts to identify signs of cryptofascism in Swift’s work.—
Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 9 Dec. 2025
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Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman and ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro sent a note to staff Friday, thanking them for the work and continued focus, while admonishing YouTube and its parent company Google for the dispute.—
Verb
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Censures, a means of formally reprimanding a lawmaker without going so far as to expel them, have historically been rare; in the 200 years after Congress first convened, only 22 House members were censured.—
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When conversation veers into controversial territory, Gott suggests redirecting rather than reprimanding.—
Verb
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As The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski mentioned in his column, Finch’s frustration boiled over after years of disliking the way the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder can be officiated in comparison to other teams.—
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He is also known for disliking repeats of his shows being played too often – another potential reason why Phoenix Nights remains hard to track down despite its enduring popularity.—
Verb
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But more recently, groups of citizens have grown tired of scolding and have begun reaching for the birch rod.—
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But acknowledging, or god forbid, scolding the internet for laughing at Kirk would only give it all more power.—
Verb
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The House voted against censuring Plaskett in a 209-214-3 vote.—
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But, honestly, Meyers added, he wasn’t bothered by the attack, which is the latest in a line of Truth Social posts Trump has made censuring the comic.—
Verb
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This third point is particularly important when there is an outspoken founder in the wings like Chip Wilson who has been publicly criticizing board decisions.—
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Since a shooting by an ICE agent in Minnesota killed a woman earlier this week, Martina Navratilova has shared dozens of X posts criticizing him and others in ICE.—
Verb
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After condemning political violence in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death, Tisdale defended what many online considered to be a tribute to the conservative activist.—
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On Thursday, though, Staios released an explosive statement condemning those who continue to spread stories or add to the spiraling rumor mill.—
Verb
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Two in 5 Gen Zers are pursuing blue-collar work, rejecting the collegiate path and learning trades, according to a May 2025 survey of 1,434 young adults by Resume Builder.—
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And the British nations, as ever, remained aloof, England rejecting a late offer to step in for Austria.—
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Cite this Entry
“Reproving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reproving. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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