rebuked

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'rebuked' is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It means to express sharp disapproval or criticism towards someone or something. You can use the word 'rebuked' in a variety of situations, such as: 1. The teacher rebuked the student for talking during the lesson. 2. The manager rebuked his employees for their poor performance. 3. The judge rebuked the lawyer for his disrespectful behavior in court. 4. The coach rebuked the team for their lack of effort during the game. 5. The company was publicly rebuked by the government for their unethical practices. Example: After arriving late to the meeting, John was rebuked by his boss for not valuing punctuality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

China rebuked the US when it called for Pu's release earlier this month, and the charges may add to strain on a trip already complicated by tensions over the South China Sea.

The Guardian

Washington's first Muslim congressman has publicly rebuked the Obama administration's terrorism strategy during a White House summit on countering violent extremism, warning that recent moves to prevent money transfers to Somalia risked radicalising its large expatriate community in the US.

The Guardian

Fellow Iona patron Professor Patricia Casey was publicly rebuked on two separate occasions last year for misusing research from both Uppsala University and UNICEF to reach the same dubious conclusion, prompting UNICEF Ireland's executive director Melanie Verwoerd to slam Casey's spin as "incorrect and unacceptable".

The Guardian

At the time, Indonesia said it would not respond to threats and rebuked the prime minister, saying such threats were not part of "diplomatic language".

The Guardian

Christopher Pyne has rebuked colleagues for backgrounding the media about the Coalition's current political woes – but has been rebuked in turn by the conservative commentator Andrew Bolt for implying the broadcaster and blogger was helping the Abbott government with its task of re-election.

The Guardian

Why wouldn't an American secretary of state like to see Israel even further rebuked?

The Guardian - Opinion

The few who have criticised Israel, such as Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Rihanna, have been strongly rebuked by other celebrities, prompting several to backtrack.

The Guardian

In a statement of support, Ellison rebuked those who opposed it.

The Guardian

Bolt rebuked Pyne again.

The Guardian

KPMG has just been rebuked by the SEC for investing in a fund that it audits.

The Economist

Best state in a supporting role Obama rebuked Pandanomics Tuned in, turned off Nor any drop to drink Mr Obama's Iran problem ReprintsNoel Canning, a soft-drink bottling firm in Washington state, claims it was harmed by Mr Obama's appointments.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rebuked" when you want to convey a sense of formal or serious disapproval, often in response to a perceived wrongdoing or mistake.

Common error

Avoid substituting "rebuked" with milder synonyms like "scolded" or "chided" when the context demands a stronger expression of disapproval. Choose the synonym that accurately reflects the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rebuked" is as a verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of "rebuke." It signifies the action of expressing sharp disapproval or criticism. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a commonly used verb in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rebuked" functions as a verb expressing sharp disapproval or criticism, frequently appearing in News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and commonly used. While synonyms like "scolded" or "chided" exist, using "rebuked" indicates a more formal and serious tone. To ensure proper usage, writers should use "rebuked" when the context demands a strong expression of disapproval. Remember that substituting for milder synonyms can diminish the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprimanded

Slightly more formal and implies an official or authoritative censure.

scolded

Less formal and often used in contexts involving children or minor offenses.

chided

A milder form of rebuke, suggesting gentle disapproval.

admonished

Formal and suggests a warning against future misconduct.

reproached

Implies disappointment and mild criticism.

censured

Indicates formal disapproval, often by a governing body.

condemned

A strong expression of disapproval, often for moral reasons.

reproved

Suggests a formal or official expression of disapproval.

reprimanded sharply

Emphasizes the intensity of the disapproval.

expressed disapproval

A more general and less direct way of indicating disapproval.

FAQs

How is "rebuked" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "rebuked" is used to show someone expressing strong disapproval or criticism. For instance, "The teacher "rebuked" the student for their disruptive behavior" illustrates this use.

What are some alternatives to using "rebuked" in writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "reprimanded", "scolded", or "chided". The best choice depends on the level of formality and intensity you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "publicly rebuked"?

Yes, "publicly rebuked" is a correct and common usage. It emphasizes that the disapproval was expressed openly and in front of others, often adding to the sense of shame or seriousness.

What's the difference between "rebuked" and "criticized"?

"Rebuked" implies a stronger and more direct expression of disapproval than "criticized". While "criticized" can be a general expression of disapproval, "rebuked" suggests a more formal or authoritative correction.