Skip to Content

Rebuke Definition – Meaning and Usage In A Sentence

Rebuke Definition – Meaning and Usage In A Sentence

ople ask about the word “rebuke” is whether it is a noun or a verb. The truth is that this word can be either a noun or a verb, depending on how you use it in sentences. That said, here is a look at the “rebuke definition,” the various meanings, and the best use of the word in sentences.

“Rebuke” (noun): An expression of strong disapproval. Use the word when expressing strong dislike or objection to someone or something. “Rebuke” is also the act of criticizing someone strongly because you cannot approve of something they have said or done.

“Rebuke” is mainly used to mean harsh criticism. There is more to learn about the word rebuke and the various ways you can use it in your sentences. The article will also discuss the history and etymology of this word.

woman library writing

What Is the Definition of Rebuke?

Rebuke’s definition is to criticize, blame, or scold sharply or reprimand. If someone received the rebuke, then they have been scolded or reprimanded. It also means to censure severely or angrily. Replace the words “word off” or “circumvent” with the word rebuke.

“Rebuke” is a way of pointing out that something is not good and that it needs to stop. It is a tough and muscular type of word that the people in authority mainly use.

Example sentences:

  • Mrs. Richard was quick to rebuke his son-in-law for drinking too much.
  • The rebuke on the article’s author was because his piece was untrue.
  • Before you rebuke someone, try and understand the reason for their actions.

What Is the Meaning of Rebuke?

The formal meaning of “rebuke” is speaking to someone about something that they have done wrong. The word describes someone who has openly pointed out a mistake made by another person. “Rebuke” purpose can be to help someone learn their mistake or openly scold someone.

Example sentences:

  • The judge had no choice but to rebuke the jury for speaking to the press.
  • Mr. Wilson gave his sons a gentle rebuke for being mean to each other.
  • I understood his pain, so I did not rebuke him for the way he behaved at the press conference.

Synonyms and Antonyms of the Word “Rebuke”

Synonyms and antonyms help you express yourself better. You get to learn different words that describe the same thing but are slightly different. Here is a look at the synonyms and antonyms of the word “rebuke.”

Rebuke (Noun) Synonyms

  • Criticism
  • Belittlement
  • Deprecation
  • Lecture
  • Remonstrance
  • Admonishment
  • Castigation
  • Lash
  • Punishment
  • Pan

Rebuke (Noun) Antonyms

  • Honor
  • Panegyric
  • Praise
  • Acclamation
  • Tribute
  • Eulogy
  • Blessing
  • Sanction
  • Encomium
  • Plaudits

Rebuke (Verb) Synonyms

  • Reprove
  • Admonish
  • Tick off
  • Reprimand
  • Chide
  • Lecture
  • Scold
  • Badmouth
  • Attack
  • Blame

Rebuke (Verb) Antonyms

  • Approve
  • Endorse
  • Sanction
  • Praise
  • Salute
  • Taut
  • Extol
  • Hail
  • Bless
  • Sanction

Words That Rhyme With Rebuke

Here is a look at words that rhyme with rebuke;

  • Flute
  • Puke
  • Book
  • Crook
  • Luke
  • Undertook
  • Retook
  • Forsook
  • Shock
  • Rook

Is Rebuke a Positive or Negative Word?

“Rebuke” is the act of speaking angrily to someone because you do not give approval about something that they have said or done. That tells you the word rebuke is a negative word. Note that even if you are rebuking someone for their good deeds, the word is still negative.

How to Use Rebuke in a Sentence?

Use “rebuke” in your sentences when talking about criticism, even when the word’s tense varies. In addition, note that the word can be both a noun and verb depending on how you use it in your sentences. It is also a negative word with a negative connotation.

Tenses of the Word Rebuke

Here is a look at the various tenses of the word rebuke;

  • Past tense of rebuke: Rebuked
  • The present participle of rebuke: Rebuking
  • The past participle of rebuke: Rebuked
  • The third-person singular, simple present, and indicative form of rebuke: Rebukes.

Word Forms of Rebuke

Here is a look at the various word forms of rebuke;

Rebukefully (adverb): In a rebukeful or a rebuking manner. Example sentences;

  • The Reverend rebukingly asked me to seize the moment.
  • His heavy voice rang out rebukingly and was overtone with protest.
  • Ivan rang his voice rebukingly and overtone with protest.

Rebukable: Deserving a rebuke or something shameful. Example sentences;

  • The jury concluded that the way Brenda acted towards her children was rebukable.
  • Everyone in the meeting agreed that his actions were not rebukable.
  • We have to understand the rebukable actions to avoid making them.

10 Examples of Rebuke in Sentences

Are you wondering the best way you can learn a word? Then consider reading relevant sentences as they will teach you new perspectives of using the word. Besides, it also helps you to sharpen sentence structure. Here are some sentences with the word “rebuke.”

  1. The teacher was forced to rebuke the students for how they misbehaved during the school trip.
  2. The rebuke that the mother gave her daughter was because she was playing with the matches.
  3. Before you rebuke someone, make sure that you have criticized yourself first.
  4. It is not wrong to rebuke a friend as long as they have made a mistake.
  5. Do not be in a rush to rebuke people without understanding their background and their reason for doing what they did.
  6. The government was set to rebuke the countries still doing nuclear programs without anybody knowing.
  7. The courts were right to rebuke the latest prosecutorial attacks.
  8. Did you notice that the speech made by the C.E.O. was a silent rebuke to the employees?
  9. The employees’ massive demonstration was a rebuke to the management and the policies that they have put in place.
  10. She knew she was wrong about the presentation but chose not to listen to any rebuke made about her.

How Do You Spell Rebuke?

The spelling of “rebuke” is “R.E. B.U.K.E.” 

When using these words in your sentences, double-check to ensure correct spelling. It is best to read the word out loud when writing it so that you do not mistake the spelling.

nails hands writing

How Do You Pronounce Rebuke?

The best way to pronounce “rebuke” is “ruh•byook.” 

When pronouncing the word, the first part starts slow and moves fast as you start the second syllable. Knowing numerous vocabularies without knowing the best way to pronounce the words makes it difficult to communicate effectively. It is important to take the time to understand the best way to pronounce each new word that you learn.

How Many Syllables are in Rebuke?

The word “rebuke” has two syllables. 

The syllables are “re” and “buke.” That is re-buke. The stressed syllable of the word is “buke.”

History & Etymology of Rebuke

“Rebuke” derives from the Old French “rebuchier,” meaning “to hack down” or “to beat back.” When it was first introduced in the English language, the word definition was “reprimand” or “chide.” But over the years, the definition of the word changed to “condemn.”

When Was Rebuke First Used?

The word “rebuke” has been stinging the English language since the early 14th century. 

Conclusion

If you are serious about learning English or improving it, you need to work toward learning. The best way of doing this is by learning different meanings, definitions, and usage in a sentence to use the word as required. The article has discussed “rebuke definition” and the various ways to use it in your sentence. Another way to ensure that you fully understand the word is to continue constructing various sentences with this word in different contexts.