What does “rebuke” mean?
- 1
verbto speak angrily to someone because they did something wrong
The teacher rebuked him for being late.
- 2
nounwords that strongly criticize someone
The report was a sharp rebuke to the government.
Rebuke at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb & noun
- CEFR level
- C2 (proficient)
- Pronunciation
- /rɪˈbjuk/ · rih-BYOOK
How to use “rebuke” correctly
Formal. Pattern: rebuke someone for doing something.
Common phrases with “rebuke”
- a sharp rebuke
- rebuke sb for sth
- a public rebuke
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- reprimand
- scold
- criticize
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- praise
“rebuke” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- admonish verbC2to tell someone firmly that they have done something wrong
- beseech verbC2to ask someone for something in an urgent, emotional way
- chastise verbC2to criticize someone severely for doing something wrong
- confer verbC2to discuss something with others before deciding
- contend verbC2to say firmly that something is true, especially in an argument
- enjoin verbC2to order or strongly urge someone to do something
- entreat verbC2to ask someone very seriously or emotionally to do something
- exalt verbC2to praise someone or something very highly