reproach
to find fault with (a person, group, etc.); blame; censure.
to upbraid.
to be a cause of blame or discredit to.
blame or censure conveyed in disapproval: a term of reproach.
an expression of upbraiding, censure, or reproof.
disgrace, discredit, or blame incurred: to bring reproach on one's family.
a cause or occasion of disgrace or discredit.
the Reproaches. Also called Improperia. Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church. a series of antiphons sung in church on Good Friday, consisting of words addressed by Christ to His people, reminding them of His mercies and of their ingratitude.
an object of scorn or contempt.
Idioms about reproach
beyond / above reproach, not subject to blame or discredit; faultless: She has always been honest and beyond reproach in her business dealings.
Origin of reproach
1synonym study For reproach
word story For reproach
The phrase above reproach “not able to be blamed, faultless” first appeared in 1674; its variant beyond reproach is first recorded in 1702.
Other words for reproach
Opposites for reproach
Other words from reproach
- re·proach·a·ble, adjective
- re·proach·a·ble·ness, noun
- re·proach·a·bly, adverb
- re·proach·er, noun
- re·proach·ing·ly, adverb
- un·re·proach·a·ble, adjective
- un·re·proach·a·ble·ness, noun
- un·re·proach·a·bly, adverb
- un·re·proached, adjective
- un·re·proach·ing, adjective
Words Nearby reproach
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use reproach in a sentence
Masters’ tweets and messaging, particularly about public health, simply demanded a public reproach.
Thiel Crony Publicly Disses Best Man in Spat Over Vaccines | Noah Kirsch | November 5, 2021 | The Daily BeastYour bonafides to give independent advice in a report is always subject of concern, and one should be above reproach in those situations.
‘Less than credible’: Investigation of HRC prez dismissed as conflict of interest | Chris Johnson | August 18, 2021 | Washington BladeIt’s enough to make you paranoid — or, at least, make you consider that no one, not even the people we choose to trust, is entirely above reproach.
I can’t trust my new co-worker, and I have a list of reasons. How do I tell management? | Karla Miller | February 11, 2021 | Washington PostTo be clear—I do not believe powerful, accomplished women are above reproach, and I have criticized my share.
First of all, in his 25 years, by all accounts Lane Frost lived his life above reproach.
“I realize that I am in the public spotlight and my conduct needs to be above reproach,” he said.
A man of any rank may, without any reproach, abstain totally from tasting such liquors.
Sitting on the side of her bed, her gaze is downturned, replete with a combination of remorse, self-reproach, and despair.
"It is good to pray here," she said, in a tone the mildness and sincerity of which made the reproach more cutting.
The inheritance of the children of sinners shall perish, and with their posterity shall be a perpetual reproach.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | VariousFor better is the iniquity of a man, than a woman doing a good turn, and a woman bringing shame and reproach.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | VariousThe keen resentment had faded from his face, but an immense reproach was there—a heavy, helpless, appealing reproach.
Confidence | Henry JamesAll the criminals go about and take their pleasure, thus occasioning much reproach.
British Dictionary definitions for reproach
/ (rɪˈprəʊtʃ) /
to impute blame to (a person) for an action or fault; rebuke
archaic to bring disgrace or shame upon
the act of reproaching
rebuke or censure; reproof: words of reproach
disgrace or shame: to bring reproach upon one's family
something that causes or merits blame, rebuke, or disgrace
above reproach or beyond reproach perfect; beyond criticism
Origin of reproach
1Derived forms of reproach
- reproachable, adjective
- reproachableness, noun
- reproachably, adverb
- reproacher, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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