Finesentence

Rebuke Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rebuke

re-buke

🇺🇸 /ɹibˈjuk/ · 🇬🇧 /ɹɪbjˈuːk/

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a conversation

To rebuke someone means to express sharp disapproval or criticism towards them.

Synonyms

chastise, reprimand, reprove, scold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rebuke

Used to express strong disapproval or criticism, usually in a formal setting.

  • The manager's harsh rebuke left the employee feeling demoralized
  • She received a stern rebuke for her negligence
reprimand

Typically used in professional or formal contexts to denote a formal expression of disapproval.

  • The officer received a written reprimand for his misconduct
  • The teacher issued a reprimand to the disruptive students
scold

Implies an angry or critical reprimand, often in a personal or informal context.

  • She scolded her child for not doing his homework
  • He was scolded by his partner for forgetting their anniversary
chastise

Implies a form of punishment or reprimand, often reflecting anger or irritation.

  • His parents would often chastise him for staying out too late
  • The coach didn't hesitate to chastise the player for the mistake
reprove

Indicates gentle criticism or correction, usually with the intent of helping someone improve.

  • She gently reproved her friend for being late
  • The mentor would often reprove his students for minor mistakes

Examples of usage

  • He rebuked his colleague for being late to the meeting.
  • She rebuked her child for misbehaving in public.
Context #2 | Noun

formal or official setting

A rebuke is a sharp expression of disapproval or criticism.

Synonyms

chastisement, reprimand, reproach, scolding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rebuke

A formal and often public expression of disapproval, usually by someone in authority.

  • The manager rebuked the employee for being late
  • The teacher's rebuke made the student feel ashamed
reprimand

A formal and official expression of disapproval, typically used in professional or institutional settings.

  • The principal issued a reprimand to the students who broke the rules
  • The employee received a written reprimand for misconduct
scolding

An angry and often loud expression of disapproval, typically more informal and usually used with children.

  • She gave her dog a scolding for chewing the furniture
  • The child received a scolding for not doing his homework
chastisement

A formal, often harsh punishment or criticism, typically used in serious or severe situations.

  • The soldier faced chastisement for disobeying orders
  • The CEO's chastisement of the team was intense and strict
reproach

An expression of disappointment or disapproval, often indicating personal disappointment or emotional hurt.

  • Her mother's look of reproach made her feel guilty
  • He could not hide his reproach when his friend lied to him

Examples of usage

  • The teacher gave him a rebuke for not completing his homework.
  • She received a rebuke from her boss for her unprofessional behavior.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “rebuke”

Rebuke is a 2-syllable verb and noun (re-buke). It is pronounced /ɹibˈjuk/ in American English and /ɹɪbjˈuːk/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 8 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #13,815 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'rebuke'

The word 'rebuke' originated from Middle English, from Old French rebuchier, from re- (expressing intensive force) + buschier 'to strike, chop'. The sense evolved from 'chop' to 'beat back, repel', and eventually to its current meaning of expressing disapproval or criticism sharply.

Rhymes

Rebuke rhymes with baruch, chook, juke, souk, duke, fluke, puke and spook.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,815, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.