reprove
Express mild disapproval
To reprove is to express disapproval or criticism, typically to correct someone's behavior or fault.
The word carries a note of authority—parents reprove children, teachers reprove students: She reproved him for his carelessness.
Reprove is more formal than scold and less harsh than rebuke, suggesting measured correction rather than anger.
Rebuke harshly
- admonishReprove with counsel
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- chideRebuke mildly
reproach · censure · upbraid · berate · castigate · chastise · lecture · tell off
Declare wrong or guilty
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- decryOpenly criticize harshly
- deprecateExpress earnest disapproval
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
blame · fault · disparage · discountenance · disfavor · displeasure · dissatisfaction · frown upon
Right and wrong principles
- conscienceInternal moral sense
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
- ethicsStudy of right conduct
principles · duty · accountability · responsibility · rectitude · integrity · honor · scruples
scold
Rebuke harshly
- admonishReprove with counsel
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
chide · reproach · censure · upbraid · berate · castigate · chastise · lecture · tell off · dress down
condemn
Declare wrong or guilty
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- decryOpenly criticize harshly
- deprecateExpress earnest disapproval
censure · blame · fault · disparage · discountenance · disfavor · displeasure · dissatisfaction · frown upon
morality
Right and wrong principles
- conscienceInternal moral sense
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
ethics · principles · duty · accountability · responsibility · rectitude · integrity · honor · scruples · standards