reprobate 1 of 3

reprobate

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noun

reprobate

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reprobate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reprobate are censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, and reprehend. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

When would censure be a good substitute for reprobate?

The words censure and reprobate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When could condemn be used to replace reprobate?

The synonyms condemn and reprobate are sometimes interchangeable, but condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

Where would criticize be a reasonable alternative to reprobate?

The words criticize and reprobate can be used in similar contexts, but criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

How are the words denounce and condemn related as synonyms of reprobate?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When might reprehend be a better fit than reprobate?

While in some cases nearly identical to reprobate, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reprobate
Adjective
That’s when Regina’s sardonic sister (Wanda Skyes, the show’s co-creator) steps in and lets him and his reprobate pals have it. Jeanne Jakle, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Apr. 2021 For reference, consider the late, reprobate Southwest Conference. Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 13 Jan. 2020
Noun
Whether this is also the outcome for Hozier’s simpering reprobate is up for the listener to decide. Tom Zoellner, SPIN, 29 May 2024 That tirade paralleled a similar rant by Eminem, the token white reprobate and protégé of Dr. Dre’s degenerate Interscope/Death Row combine. Armond White, National Review, 15 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive first look at the film, which follows Ahmed's Ash, an off-the-grid fixer who brokers deals between whistleblowers and corrupt corporations through a message relay service that maintains anonymity.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 5 June 2025
  • Sara’s friend from her secret agent days, Teresa, is also taking matters into her own hands after also losing a loved one to a corrupt system.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • New threats emerge, including a ruthless new villain (Bill Skarsgård) and a blind assassin from Wick’s past, played by Donnie Yen in a standout performance.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • Nicholas Hoult plays the film’s villain, the megalomaniac super-genius Lex Luthor.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Brentford have rejected an offer of around €9million (£7.6m; $10.2m) from Bayer Leverkusen for their first-choice goalkeeper Mark Flekken but negotiations are ongoing over a potential deal.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Paramount is currently engaged in mediation talks with Trump’s attorneys, who recently rejected a $15 million settlement offer and threatened further litigation, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week.
    Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Indian officials had previously refused to confirm even a single aircraft loss.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
  • However, the end of the conversation was probably the headline – that Amodei refused to rule out AI becoming self-aware in key ways.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Back staining happens when indigo dye that is released from degraded cellulose during these processes redeposits on the white portions of the garment.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 28 May 2025
  • Maltz served as the lead author on a meta-analysis of how soil inoculation with different species of mycorrhizal fungi can affect degraded ecosystems.
    Lauren Oster, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Conner was still battling his brute of a blue cat.
    Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 21 May 2025
  • Then comes the arrival of General Zod and his two primary compatriots – a warrior woman and a silent hulking brute – who do battle with Superman around the city, causing much destruction and threatening the life of Lois Lane and her Daily Planet coworkers.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The university in January 2024 denied Tucker’s appeal of the findings.
    Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • According to officers, the man acknowledged engaging in lewd behavior and taking photos of children but denied touching anyone.
    Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • The April 11 ruling came during a hearing in Maryland, where a Justice Department attorney declined to provide basic details about Abrego Garcia’s whereabouts.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 7 June 2025
  • Full-time workers declined by 623,000, while part-timers rose by 33,000.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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