reproves
Expresses firm disapproval
Reproves is the third-person singular of reprove, meaning to scold or express disapproval, typically with the aim of correction rather than punishment.
The word carries a tone of moral authority—a parent reproves a child, a teacher reproves a student: She reproves him gently for his carelessness.
Reprove is more formal than scold and less harsh than rebuke.
Judge as wrong
- condemnDeclare wrong or guilty
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- criticizeJudge unfavorably, vocally
- faultImperfection or blame
object · take issue · frown upon · disfavor · deprecate · decry · disparage · censure
Express sharp disapproval
- chastiseReprimand severely for wrongdoing
- scoldRebuke harshly
- upbraidCriticize harshly, verbally
- berateCriticize severely and lengthily
censure · admonish · chide · remonstrate · castigate · objurgate · lambaste · reprimand
Study of right conduct
- conscienceInternal moral sense
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
- principlesFoundational moral beliefs
morality · rectitude · scruples · integrity · uprightness · sin · wrongdoing · transgression
Trained self-control or specialty
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
- formal warningOfficial notice of wrongdoing
- superiorHigher in rank
- subordinateOne lower in rank
jurisdiction · accountability · conduct · misconduct · infractions · violations · reprimand · written warning
Free from error
- amendModify or correct
- rectifyTo make something right
- set straightCorrect a misconception
- counselExpert guidance offered
guidance · feedback · constructive criticism · point out · address · reform · improvement · redress
disapprove
Judge as wrong
- condemnDeclare wrong or guilty
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- criticizeJudge unfavorably, vocally
fault · object · take issue · frown upon · disfavor · deprecate · decry · disparage · censure
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
berate · censure · admonish · chide · remonstrate · castigate · objurgate · lambaste · reprimand · telling-off
ethics
Study of right conduct
- conscienceInternal moral sense
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
principles · morality · rectitude · scruples · integrity · uprightness · sin · wrongdoing · transgression · misconduct
discipline
Trained self-control or specialty
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
- formal warningOfficial notice of wrongdoing
- superiorHigher in rank
subordinate · jurisdiction · accountability · conduct · misconduct · infractions · violations · reprimand · written warning · verbal warning
correct
Free from error
- amendModify or correct
- rectifyTo make something right
- set straightCorrect a misconception
counsel · guidance · feedback · constructive criticism · point out · address · reform · improvement · redress · put right
- criticismscriticizes, disparages, condemns, denounces, censures
- disapprovaldisapproval, scowl, disapprove, disapproves, frown