rebuke

[ri-byook] / rɪˈbyuk /

NOUN

reprimand; harsh criticism

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admonition censure condemnation disapproval punishment rebuff reproach snub

STRONG

admonishment affliction berating blame castigation chiding comeuppance correction earful expostulation going-over lecture lesson objurgation ostracism put down rap rating refusal remonstrance reprehension reproof reproval repulse row scolding tongue-lashing upbraiding

WEAK

bawling-out chewing-out dressing-down hard time kick in the teeth slap in the face talking-to telling-off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approval encouragement endorsement exoneration praise sanction

STRONG

commendation flattery

WEAK

compliment

VERB

reprimand; criticize harshly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admonish berate castigate censure chide go after oppose reprimand reproach scold upbraid

STRONG

blame fry give a talking-to jawbone lecture lesson monish pay rake read reprehend reprove rip zap

WEAK

bawl out call on the carpet carp on chew out climb all over dress down jump down one's throat jump on lay into lean on sit on sound off take to task tear apart tell off tick off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve compliment flatter laud praise

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.

Bianco’s unusual probe drew a sharp rebuke from California Atty.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

Was this a rebuke to Benjamin Netanyahu to consult more closely in the future?

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

An equally stinging rebuke came out of the primary race in the Eighth Congressional district, to replace Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Under its ownership, Prospect Medical Holdings, a hospital chain, faced plummeting quality metrics and a bipartisan rebuke from a U.S.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

Thomas looked at Newt sharply, hurt by the rebuke.

From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner

rebuke

Example Sentences

Related Words