MEANING
1. To criticize someone sharply, often to correct conduct or express disapproval.
2. A sharp spoken or written expression of criticism or disapproval.
Use it for
Use in stern dialogue or formal correction.Give a character’s disapproval a controlled, pointed edge.
Words that belong together
- rebuke someone sharply
- face a rebuke
- public rebuke
- a sharp rebuke
- receive a rebuke
On the page
The librarian rebuked him for shouting across the reading room.
Her rebuke was quiet but unmistakable.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- rebuke
- Past tense
- rebuked
- Past participle
- rebuked
- Present participle
- rebuking
Full tense & aspect guide
- Present
- rebuke
- Present continuous
- am/is/are rebuking
- Present perfect
- have/has rebuked
- Present perfect continuous
- have/has been rebuking
- Past
- rebuked
- Past continuous
- was/were rebuking
- Past perfect
- had rebuked
- Past perfect continuous
- had been rebuking
- Future
- will rebuke
- Future continuous
- will be rebuking
- Future perfect
- will have rebuked
- Future perfect continuous
- will have been rebuking
Choose the auxiliary that agrees with your subject. These are constructions of one word, not separate entries.
Explore related collections
Usage notes
As a verb, it takes the person being criticized as its object; the noun names the criticism. Sense 2: The noun is countable and refers to the act or words of criticism.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
Keep a thought for later. Sign in to save privately.