rebuke

1 of 2

verb

re·​buke ri-ˈbyük How to pronounce rebuke (audio)
rebuked; rebuking

transitive verb

1
a
: to criticize sharply : reprimand
b
: to serve as a rebuke to
2
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

Examples of rebuke in a Sentence

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
The guitarist, who penned the song with Smiths frontman Morrissey, joins a growing list of artists who have publicly rebuked Trump for using their songs at his rallies, including Adele, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Neil Young, Rihanna, Ozzy Osbourne, Nickelback, Panic! EW.com, 24 Jan. 2024 Subramanian, of Bank of America, rebuked the notion that lofty investor sentiment has outpaced overall business performance. Max Zahn, ABC News, 27 Dec. 2023 But the Kremlin has denied any involvement in Navalny’s death, which has drawn global outrage, scrutiny and rebuke from other world leaders suspicious that Navalny was killed for his political opposition. James Farrell, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 But at the time, they were rebuked by former Obama officials who vouched for Jackson as an apolitical operator. Michael Kranish, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024 He’s made horror films before, but this one rebukes the hypocrisies of social progressives and the whole damned better-than-thou global elite. Armond White, National Review, 14 Feb. 2024 When a handsome blonde-haired man who resembled her late husband of 23 years started messaging her on Facebook, Likins rebuked him for four months. USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2024 The idea of building settlements in Gaza has alarmed Israel’s allies, with the United States’ top diplomat rebuking the plans. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 5 Feb. 2024 Joseph Hinrichs, the chief executive of CSX, specifically visited last spring to communicate his opposition to Brown— only to be rebuked by the bill’s chief sponsor. Tony Romm, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2024
Noun
Tuesday’s primary in the crucial swing state of Michigan may deliver a symbolic rebuke to the president’s handling of the Gaza crisis. Tribune News Service, Orange County Register, 27 Feb. 2024 The drama led to a rebuke from Supervisor Steve Gallardo, the board's lone Democrat. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 27 Feb. 2024 Read More: The Conspiracy Theories Behind the Drive to Impeach Mayorkas In a historic rebuke, the House impeached Mayorkas 214-213. TIME, 14 Feb. 2024 This week, Latto delivers a playful rebuke o her haters, Kacey Musgraves returns with the introspective title track off her forthcoming Deeper Well, and a highlight from Usher‘s brand new ninth LP. Rolling Stone, 9 Feb. 2024 The court’s binding ruling on Friday stopped short of ordering a cease-fire, but its orders were in part a rebuke of Israel’s conduct in its nearly 4-month war against Gaza’s Hamas rulers. Najib Jobain and Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2024 On Saturday, an RNC member proposed restricting the party from paying the legal bills of any candidate and requiring the party to stay neutral until a candidate captures enough delegates to be the nominee -- drawing a rebuke from Trump's team. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 25 Feb. 2024 The post drew sharp rebukes and condemnation from leading Democratic figures in Michigan, including Tate, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, and other Democratic lawmakers. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 His remarks drew rebukes from opposition leader Yair Lapid and minister Benny Gantz and angered some families of hostages. Doha Madani, NBC News, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rebuke.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French rebucher, rebouker to blunt, check, reprimand

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rebuke was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rebuke

Cite this Entry

“Rebuke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebuke. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rebuke

1 of 2 verb
re·​buke ri-ˈbyük How to pronounce rebuke (audio)
rebuked; rebuking
: to criticize sharply

rebuke

2 of 2 noun
: an expression of strong disapproval

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuke

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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