a rebuke

USAGE SUMMARY

"a rebuke" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means a firm or harsh criticism or reproof, and can be used to refer to criticism directed at either a person or an event. For example, "The CEO issued a rebuke to the employees for their lack of enthusiasm in the last meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

His son issued a rebuke.

The New York Times

He was expecting a rebuke.

The New York Times

That was a rebuke to Mrs. Merkel.

The New York Times

Some view the bill as a rebuke.

The New York Times

He never publicly issued a rebuke.

The Guardian

Others say it as a rebuke.

The New Yorker

It now looks like a rebuke.

The New Yorker

"It almost sounded like a rebuke.

The New York Times

But his dismissal was clearly a rebuke to Mr. Ahmadinejad.

The New York Times

The comments earned a rebuke from South Korea's election watchdog.

The Economist

That earned him a rebuke from Prime Minister Harper.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rebuke" when you want to convey a firm expression of disapproval or criticism, particularly in formal or official contexts. For instance, "The company's statement was "a rebuke" of the government's new policy."

Common error

Avoid using "a rebuke" in casual conversations or informal settings where a less formal expression of disapproval would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your communication sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rebuke" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement in a sentence. It denotes an expression of sharp disapproval or criticism, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, such as "His son issued "a rebuke"."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rebuke" is a noun phrase that functions to express strong disapproval or criticism, typically in neutral to formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media sources. When writing, it's best to reserve the usage of this phrase to situations that call for a serious expression of disapproval, avoiding its use in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reprimand

Focuses on a formal expression of disapproval, often from someone in authority.

a criticism

Emphasizes the act of expressing disapproval and pointing out faults.

a censure

Implies a strong disapproval or condemnation, often formal and public.

a scolding

Suggests a more informal and often parental expression of disapproval.

a reproof

Highlights a gentle correction or expression of disapproval.

an admonishment

Implies a warning or counsel against a specific behavior or action.

a dressing down

Suggests a severe reprimand, often delivered in an angry or forceful manner.

a telling-off

Indicates an informal but firm expression of disapproval.

a disapproval

A general expression of not agreeing with something.

a condemnation

Implies a strong and public expression of disapproval.

FAQs

How to use "a rebuke" in a sentence?

"A rebuke" is typically used to describe an act of criticizing or reprimanding someone, such as, "The senator's speech was "a rebuke of" the administration's policies" or "The company received "a stern rebuke" for its environmental practices."

What's the difference between "a rebuke" and "a reprimand"?

While both "a rebuke" and "a reprimand" involve criticism, "a rebuke" often carries a stronger sense of disapproval or censure. A reprimand is usually a formal correction, whereas "a rebuke" can be more severe and public.

What can I say instead of "a rebuke"?

You can use alternatives such as "a reprimand", "a criticism", or "a censure" depending on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a rebuke"?

"A rebuke" is appropriate in formal or official contexts where a firm expression of disapproval is warranted. It is often used in news articles, political commentary, and business communications to describe strong criticism or censure.