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Synonyms

rebuke

American  
[ri-byook] / rɪˈbyuk /

verb (used with object)

rebuked, rebuking
  1. to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.

    Synonyms:
    admonish, chide, upbraid, censure

noun

  1. sharp, stern disapproval; reproof; reprimand.

    Synonyms:
    censure, remonstration, reproach
rebuke British  
/ rɪˈbjuːk /

verb

  1. (tr) to scold or reprimand (someone)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a reprimand or scolding

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See reproach.

Other Word Forms

  • rebukable adjective
  • rebuker noun
  • rebukingly adverb
  • unrebukable adjective
  • unrebuked adjective

Etymology

Origin of rebuke

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English rebuken (verb), from Anglo-French rebuker ( Old French rebuchier ) “to beat back,” equivalent to re- re- + bucher “to beat, strike,” from Germanic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mainoo was hauled off in the second half after a lacklustre display that did little to rebuke Amorim's decision to ignore him for much of this season.

From Barron's

US State Department officials rebuked Somalia's leaders On Wednesday over reports of food aid theft and paused "all ongoing US assistance programs" to its government, according to a post to X.

From Barron's

In March, Roberts issued a rare statement rebuking those impeachment calls.

From The Wall Street Journal

At its peak, there were over 6,000 Shakers, joining Ann in rebuking the gruesome, incalculable evils of war and preaching moral generosity.

From Salon

For seeming unable to take a hint, Judge Beetlestone risks a rebuke.

From The Wall Street Journal