reproachful
Expressing quiet blame
Reproachful describes an expression of blame or disappointment directed at someone.
A reproachful look or tone conveys that someone has failed to meet expectations or done something wrong: She gave him a reproachful glance when he arrived late.
The word suggests quiet disapproval rather than open anger—more guilt-inducing than confrontational.
Expressing unfavorable opinion
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- chidingVoicing mild disapproval
- admonishingExpressing disapproval firmly
- frowningFacial expression of displeasure
glowering · scornful · disdainful · displeased · contemptuous · accusatory · censorious · condemnatory
Express sharp disapproval
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- criticismJudgment of faults
scolding · chastisement · upbraiding · berating · disapproval · condemnation · denunciation · remonstrance
Feeling guilt for wrongdoing
- contriteFeeling guilt over misdeeds
- penitentOne showing remorse
- regretfulFeeling sorrow over actions
- guiltyResponsible for wrongdoing
conscience-stricken · apologetic · rueful · compunction · pangs · self-accusation · self-condemnation · repentant
Claim someone did wrong
- faultfindingSeeking out imperfections
- criticismJudgment of faults
- castigationSevere verbal criticism
- incriminationSuggesting someone's guilt
indictment · imputation · recrimination · finger-pointing · culpability · accountability · attribution · charge
disapproving
Expressing unfavorable opinion
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- chidingVoicing mild disapproval
- admonishingExpressing disapproval firmly
frowning · glowering · scornful · disdainful · displeased · contemptuous · accusatory · censorious · condemnatory · withering
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
criticism · scolding · chastisement · upbraiding · berating · disapproval · condemnation · denunciation · remonstrance · lecture
remorseful
Feeling guilt for wrongdoing
guilty · conscience-stricken · apologetic · rueful · compunction · pangs · self-accusation · self-condemnation · repentant · chastened
accusation
Claim someone did wrong
- faultfindingSeeking out imperfections
- criticismJudgment of faults
- castigationSevere verbal criticism
incrimination · indictment · imputation · recrimination · finger-pointing · culpability · accountability · attribution · charge · allegation
- disapprovaldisapproval, scowl, disapprove, disapproves, frown
- harsh tonesharsh, sharp, biting, cutting, caustic
reproachfulapproving
Expressing favorable judgment
admiring · complimentary · praising · laudatory · eulogistic
reproachfulforgiving
Inclined to pardon offenses
understanding · encouraging · supportive · sympathetic · compassionate