censuring
Officially expressing disapproval
Censuring is the act of formally expressing strong disapproval or criticism, typically by an official body against one of its members.
When a legislature censures a politician, it publicly condemns their conduct without removing them from office—a rebuke more serious than a reprimand but less severe than expulsion.
The committee voted on censuring the senator for ethics violations.
The word also applies more broadly to any stern criticism or blame.
Express sharp disapproval
- reproofExpression of blame
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- denunciationFormal public accusation
admonishment · chastisement · reprimand · castigation · upbraiding · critique · scolding · berating
Severe disapproval expressed formally
- disapprobationSevere moral criticism
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
- disfavorLack of approval
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
contempt · disdain · opprobrium · derision · animadversion · deprecation · objection · dissatisfaction
Change in position
- voteFormal choice expression
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
official · parliamentary · legislative · ethics · misconduct · proceedings · committee · tribunal
Official court decision
- rulingFormal legal determination
- findingConclusion from investigation
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- adjudicationFormal decision on disputes
deliberation · conclusion · assessment · evaluation · pronouncement · decision · decree · sentence
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- reproofExpression of blame
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
denunciation · admonishment · chastisement · reprimand · castigation · upbraiding · critique · scolding · berating · lambasting
condemnation
Severe disapproval expressed formally
- disapprobationSevere moral criticism
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
- disfavorLack of approval
scorn · contempt · disdain · opprobrium · derision · animadversion · deprecation · objection · dissatisfaction · discontentment
motion
Change in position
- voteFormal choice expression
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
discipline · official · parliamentary · legislative · ethics · misconduct · proceedings · committee · tribunal · investigation
verdict
Official court decision
- rulingFormal legal determination
- findingConclusion from investigation
- determinationFirmness of purpose
adjudication · deliberation · conclusion · assessment · evaluation · pronouncement · decision · decree · sentence · tribunal
- reproachesblaming, scolding, rebuking, reprimanding, criticizing
- beatingsbeating, thrashing, pummeling, pounding, battering
censuringpraising
Voicing admiration
commending · approving · lauding · extolling · complimenting
censuringpermitting
Giving consent or authorization
sanctioning · authorizing · allowing · condoning · licensing
censure, censor, censorship, uncensored, censorious, censors, censured, censurable, censures