reproaching
Voicing sharp disapproval
Reproaching is expressing disapproval or disappointment toward someone for a fault or failure.
The word carries a tone of moral weight—not mere criticism but a pointed reminder of wrongdoing: She kept reproaching him for forgetting their anniversary.
A reproaching look or tone conveys judgment without words.
Express sharp disapproval
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- scoldRebuke harshly
- admonishReprove with counsel
- chideRebuke mildly
upbraid · berate · lecture · chastise · castigate · lambaste · denounce · condemn
Disapproving facial expression
- glareFierce stare or brightness
- glowerStare with displeasure
- tut-tuttingMaking disapproving sounds
- disdainScornful disregard
displeasure · disappointment · dissatisfaction · disapprobation · disfavor · scorn · contempt · derision
Guilt for wrongdoing
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- regretSorrow over past actions
- compunctionUneasiness from guilt
penitence · self-blame · self-criticism · pangs · guilty conscience · repentance · culpability · mea culpa
Imperfection or blame
- accuseClaim someone did wrong
- criticizeJudge unfavorably, vocally
- condemnDeclare wrong or guilty
- incriminateShow involvement in wrongdoing
impugn · finger-pointing · hold accountable · call out · lay blame · indict · charge · implicate
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
chide · upbraid · berate · lecture · chastise · castigate · lambaste · denounce · condemn · censure
frown
Disapproving facial expression
- glareFierce stare or brightness
- glowerStare with displeasure
- tut-tuttingMaking disapproving sounds
disdain · displeasure · disappointment · dissatisfaction · disapprobation · disfavor · scorn · contempt · derision · sneer
remorse
Guilt for wrongdoing
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- regretSorrow over past actions
compunction · penitence · self-blame · self-criticism · pangs · guilty conscience · repentance · culpability · mea culpa · confession
fault
Imperfection or blame
incriminate · impugn · finger-pointing · hold accountable · call out · lay blame · indict · charge · implicate · attribute
- shamingshaming, humiliating, disgracing, dishonoring, degrading
- disrespectinsulting, belittling, demeaning, mocking, ridiculing
- beatingsbeating, thrashing, pummeling, pounding, battering
- preachingsermonizing, homiletics, altar call, scripture reading, closing prayer
reproachingpraising
Voicing admiration
commending · complimenting · lauding · applauding · approving
reproachingencouraging
Giving confidence or hope
thanking · supporting · reassuring · comforting · affirming
reproach, reproachful, reproachable, reproachfully, reproaches, reproached, reproachfulness, unreproachable