reprimand
21 synonyms for reprimand, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A formal, often stern rebuke for wrongdoing.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A formal, often stern rebuke for wrongdoing.
“She received an official reprimand for missing the deadline.”
How to use reprimand
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
formal reprimand
reprimand an employee
issue a reprimand
More formal than "tell off" or "scold" — used especially in workplace or official disciplinary contexts.
Etymology
From French reprimande, from reprimer ("to repress") — ultimately from the same Latin root as "repress."
Full origin of reprimand →Frequently asked questions
What does “reprimand” mean?
The word “reprimand” means a formal, often stern rebuke for wrongdoing. In plain terms, a formal telling-off, or to give one.
How do you pronounce “reprimand”?
“Reprimand” is pronounced REHP-rih-mahnd (/ˈɹɛpɹɪmɑːnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “reprimand” in a sentence?
Here is “reprimand” used in a sentence: “She received an official reprimand for missing the deadline.”
What part of speech is “reprimand”?
Depending on how it is used, “reprimand” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “reprimand” come from?
The word “reprimand” comes from Latin. From French reprimande, from reprimer ("to repress") — ultimately from the same Latin root as "repress.".
How many meanings does “reprimand” have?
“Reprimand” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal, often stern rebuke for wrongdoing.
