rebuke
To speak sharply to someone because they have done something wrong.
rebuke in a sentence
- The coach paused the game to rebuke the players for showing off instead of passing the ball.
- The head chef would sharply rebuke anyone who left dirty pans in his shiny kitchen.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to rebuke?
- Acommend
- Bscold
- Cpraise
Show the answer
B: scold. The other three mean the opposite of rebuke.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to rebuke?
- Apraise
- Breprimand
- Cscold
Show the answer
A: praise. The other three mean nearly the same as rebuke.
Words that mean something similar
scold, reprimand
Words that mean the opposite
praise, commend
More words about speech & sound
- recite: To say something aloud from memory.
- reprimand: To tell someone off formally, especially as the person in charge.
- retort: To answer back quickly and sharply.
- reveal: To show or tell something that was hidden.
- sarcastic: Saying the opposite of what you mean to make fun of someone.
- scold: To tell someone off angrily for doing something wrong.
- shriek: To give a sudden loud high scream; or the scream itself.
- shrill: So high and piercing that it hurts your ears.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test