rebuke
verb (used with object)
to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.
had rebuked
-
past perfectof rebuke.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Other red flags: The Education Department and Federal Trade Commission had rebuked Ms. Javice’s startup in 2017 and 2020 for misleading customers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2025
Goff quoted how Churchill had rebuked then UK Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain: "You had the choice between war and dishonour. You chose dishonour, yet you will have war."
From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2025
Lieutenant Zimmerman’s courtroom testimony was not the first time he had rebuked Mr. Chauvin’s conduct, nor the first time he had testified against a fellow officer.
From New York Times ● Apr. 2, 2021
In fact, Stéphane Charbonnier, Charlie Hebdo’s late editor, had rebuked the government when it tried to block an Islamic demonstration, saying that his censorious adversaries should have the same freedom of expression that he had.
From The New Yorker ● Jan. 11, 2015
The same part of my mind that had rebuked me over my fishing fiasco scolded me again.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
