rebuke
2 antonyms for rebuke — opposites grouped by meaning.
Noun — A sharp expression of disapproval; a scolding.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A sharp expression of disapproval; a scolding.
“The senator issued a public rebuke of his own party's policy.”
Antonyms
How to use rebuke
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a sharp rebuke
rebuke someone for
a public rebuke
Formal — more common in news, politics, and writing than everyday speech, where "tell off" or "scold" is more natural.
Etymology
From Middle English rebuken, from Anglo-Norman rebuker ("to beat back, repel"), ultimately tied to an Old French word for striking or chopping wood.
Full origin of rebuke →Frequently asked questions
What does “rebuke” mean?
The word “rebuke” means a sharp expression of disapproval; a scolding. In plain terms, a stern telling-off, or to deliver one.
How do you pronounce “rebuke”?
“Rebuke” is pronounced ree-BYOOK (/ɹiˈbjuːk/ in IPA).
How do you use “rebuke” in a sentence?
Here is “rebuke” used in a sentence: “The senator issued a public rebuke of his own party's policy.”
What part of speech is “rebuke”?
Depending on how it is used, “rebuke” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rebuke” come from?
The word “rebuke” comes from Old French. From Middle English rebuken, from Anglo-Norman rebuker ("to beat back, repel"), ultimately tied to an Old French word for striking or chopping wood.
Is “rebuke” a common word?
“Rebuke” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “rebuke” have?
“Rebuke” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp expression of disapproval; a scolding.
