reprobate 1 of 3

Definition of reprobatenext

reprobate

2 of 3

noun

reprobate

3 of 3

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

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

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
But Jaron had a new acquaintance—Nortal, an old reprobate who ran the town dump. Annie Proulx, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025 Like many of Anderson’s protagonists, Gustave is a reprobate of the first order, romancing old ladies for their fortunes and such. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Verb
Gasoline is dirty, smelly, toxic, and environmentally reprobate. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reprobate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reprobate
Adjective
  • According to a federal indictment, Maduro and his alleged co-conspirators spent decades working alongside some of the world’s most violent drug traffickers and corrupt regional officials to funnel large quantities of cocaine into the United States.
    Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Jackson argued that Burt Jones' work in the legislature was further evidence that the lieutenant governor is corrupt, a message that the health care tycoon is pushing in advertising too.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In its earlier days, The Boys might have done something with how Nanjiani’s Eternals and Rogen’s The Green Hornet both underperformed, and the Kick-Ass movies in which Mintz-Plasse played a villain left little cultural footprint.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Most of his videos, filmed in a local studio or sometimes on the streets of Charlotte, are high-quality shorts showing him in throes of battle with classic villains like Killer Croc or Bane.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The court rejected the argument, concluding that a prospective rate hearing — unlike that on the response time — would be considered contested and the utility would have the opportunity to challenge the finding of imprudence then.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate, but some Republicans rejected the bill, opposing earmarking millions more to maintain the fortified Capitol and equip it with the staff necessary to keep the screenings going.
    Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But when the symptoms refused to fade, an MRI revealed something far worse.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Others rely on patience, research, and the fact that the ground itself refuses to be reduced to one easy headline.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, had denounced the probe, which was announced in January, calling it a politically motivated step by the White House and a threat to the independence of the central bank.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The project denounces Haiti’s justice system through the story of a woman imprisoned for years without trial and later judged not by law, but by scripture.
    Lise Pedersen, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Its allies Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza are degraded but functioning, with Israel still regularly launching strikes at both.
    Sam Metz, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The former housekeeper for Jenner further claims that she was mocked for her accent and degraded.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This time the closing hole was a brute, the toughest at Harbour Town on Sunday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • And what better way to force that out of her than to put her up against a brute of a man who has all the confidence in the world?
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Officials said that after Cooper’s arrest, the first victim, a runaway, was crying hysterically and denied any involvement in prostitution.
    Samantha Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
  • Agresta denied news reports about the sloths dying from the cold, instead pinning the cause on viral infections, Inside Climate News said.
    Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reprobate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reprobate. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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