reprimand
Americannoun
-
reprimands
plural
verb (used with object)
-
reprimands,
present (3rd person singular)
-
reprimanded,
past participle, past
-
reprimanding
present participle
noun
verb
Synonym Usage
Reprimand, upbraid, admonish, censure all mean to reprove, reproach, or criticize (someone) adversely for behavior deemed reprehensible. Reprimand implies a formal rebuke, as by a superior, person in authority, or an official or official body: reprimanded by the judge and warned of a possible charge of contempt of court. Upbraid suggests relatively severe criticism, but of a less formal sort: The minister upbraided the parishioners for their poor church attendance. Admonish refers to a more gentle warning or expression of disapproval, often including suggestions for improvement: gently admonished the children to make less noise; admonished the players about promptness at practice sessions. Censure involves harsh, vehement criticism, often from an authoritative source: censured in the media for her off-the-cuff remarks; voted to censure their fellow senator.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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reprimandernoun
-
overreprimandverb (used with object)
-
unreprimandedadjective
-
unreprimandingadjective
-
reprimandinglyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
reprimandsimple
-
reprimandssimple
-
have reprimandedperfect
-
has reprimandedperfect
-
am reprimandingprogressive
-
are reprimandingprogressive
-
is reprimandingprogressive
-
have been reprimandingperfect progressive
-
has been reprimandingperfect progressive
Past
-
reprimandedsimple
-
had reprimandedperfect
-
was reprimandingprogressive
-
were reprimandingprogressive
-
had been reprimandingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of reprimand
First recorded in 1630–40; from French réprimande, Middle French reprimend, from Latin reprimenda “that is to be pressed back,” feminine gerund of reprimere “to press back, restrain,” from re- re- + prim(ere) “to press” ( see press 1)
Explanation
If you're reprimanded, someone in authority speaks to you in an angry way because you've done something wrong. Or you might reprimand your dog if he steals your hot dog. The House of Representatives has a couple of ways to punish naughty members. One way is to reprimand them by voting to express disapproval. In 2009, Representative Joe Wilson was reprimanded after his outburst of "You lie!" during President Obama's speech. In the halls of Congress, this is considered "unparliamentary language," but if you yell at your congressman, that's okay.
Vocabulary lists containing reprimand
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"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
"He was called in to explain his undiplomatic conduct," a senior foreign ministry official told AFP, without saying what prompted the reprimand.
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
Such a reprimand had been previewed by some observers.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026
Syracuse also added nearly half a billion in debt to build desperately needed new dorms, which brought on a bond market reprimand.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026
After reports of the incident surfaced in June, Chief Circuit Judge Mary H. Murguia ordered an inquiry into judicial misconduct — a charge that could land Nelson with an official reprimand or other penalty.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026
I expected a reprimand from my father or a tongue-lashing from my grandmother, but to my relief they simply nodded as we came in.
From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson
Gen. Mykhailo Drapatiy, who has been repeatedly praised by Fedorov—and who had earned three reprimands from Syrskiy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
Local media have delved into his past - he had received written reprimands in El Paso, according to documents obtained by the Arizona Republic.
From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026
The European Union's second- and third-biggest economies, France and Italy, have already been handed formal reprimands alongside eight other member states.
From Barron's ● Jun. 3, 2026
When the bureau found discrepancies, it tended to settle for reprimands and improvement plans, rarely going so far as to revoke a dealer’s license.
From Salon ● Jun. 2, 2026
My mom presided watchfully over the whole process, barking out reprimands whenever the men banged the cages.
From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer
Stivers had been reprimanded two months before Nancy’s kidnapping for delays securing crime-scene evidence in a homicide case, according to his personnel records.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026
Bankruptcy stands as a way to rewrite your future, not be forever reprimanded for the mistakes of your past.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 10, 2026
The Press Association reported the Ryder Cup winner was reprimanded by Augusta National officials for the action.
From BBC ● Apr. 10, 2026
In November, my doctor gently reprimanded me for ignoring my 2024 colonoscopy date.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2026
When they learned of my speech, I was severely reprimanded for advocating such a radical departure from accepted policy.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Former colleagues previously told The Wall Street Journal that Armstrong was shy, at times struggling to communicate with some employees and uncomfortable when reprimanding his staff.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026
While the once-slumping Dodgers have raised their level of play the last two nights, the Padres have made mistakes even Little League coaches would be reprimanding.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2025
And a letter he received months later reprimanding him for his performance.
From New York Times ● Apr. 24, 2024
It also shows uniformed officers reprimanding the boys for not "deeply reflecting on their mistakes".
From BBC ● Jan. 18, 2024
Instead of reprimanding us, Mrs. Moss acted concerned.
From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
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