reproof
A stern scolding
Reproof is an expression of blame or disapproval for a fault or mistake.
It's more formal than scolding and less severe than condemnation—a measured correction rather than harsh criticism: Her gentle reproof made him reconsider his words.
The verb is reprove.
Express sharp disapproval
- admonishReprove with counsel
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- chideRebuke mildly
upbraid · scold · tell off · dress down · take to task · lecture · remonstrate · correct
Criticize severely and lengthily
- castigateReprimand severely
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- condemnDeclare wrong or guilty
- lambasteScold with ferocity
excoriate · tongue-lashing · harangue · tirade · diatribe · invective · vituperation · castigation
Judgment of faults
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- disapprobationSevere moral criticism
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
stricture · animadversion · objection · complaint · charge · indictment · impeachment · accusation
Fixing of mistakes
- admonitionMild verbal correction
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- counselExpert guidance offered
- warningAlert about danger
caution · remonstrance · exhortation · lesson · instruction · enlightenment · edification · reformation
Moral self-reproach
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
- regretSorrow over past actions
- shamePainful awareness of failure
remorse · compunction · repentance · chagrin · humiliation · embarrassment · mortification · abashment
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- admonishReprove with counsel
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
chide · upbraid · scold · tell off · dress down · take to task · lecture · remonstrate · correct · caution
berate
Criticize severely and lengthily
lambaste · excoriate · tongue-lashing · harangue · tirade · diatribe · invective · vituperation · castigation · denunciation
criticism
Judgment of faults
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- disapprobationSevere moral criticism
condemnation · stricture · animadversion · objection · complaint · charge · indictment · impeachment · accusation · blame
correction
Fixing of mistakes
- admonitionMild verbal correction
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- counselExpert guidance offered
warning · caution · remonstrance · exhortation · lesson · instruction · enlightenment · edification · reformation · improvement
guilt
Moral self-reproach
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
- regretSorrow over past actions
shame · remorse · compunction · repentance · chagrin · humiliation · embarrassment · mortification · abashment · crestfallen
- disapprovaldisapproval, scowl, disapprove, disapproves, frown
- moral teachingsmoral lesson, moral story, moral tale, moral fable, moral teaching
- reproofsscolding, rebuke, reprimand, admonishment, admonition
- Jehovah's WitnessesJehovah's Witnesses, Jehovah, Kingdom Hall, Watchtower, disfellowshipping
- complaintscomplaint, complain, complaints, complaint form, complaint letter
- criticismcriticism, critique, review, feedback, opinion
reproofpraise
Expression of approval
commendation · approval · approbation · endorsement · acclamation
- beyond reproachImmune to criticism
- above reproachBeyond any criticism
- not above reproach
reproach, reprove, reprobate, reproachful, irreproachable, reproachable, reprobation, reproving, reproved