stinging rebuke

USAGE SUMMARY

'stinging rebuke' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express strong disapproval or criticism of someone's actions. For example: The teacher gave her student a stinging rebuke for his poor behavior.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any deviation from the rules can mean banishment--or, at least, a stinging rebuke from Lacoste.

The New Yorker

That has brought a stinging rebuke and the threat of a lawsuit from the European Commission.

The Economist

To say that one has a "big head" is a stinging rebuke.

The New Yorker

That earned Caras the nickname Boy Wonder of the World and brought Greenleaf a stinging rebuke.

The New York Times - Sports

The public release of the video was seen by the staff as a stinging rebuke.

The New York Times

Any deviation from the rules can mean banishment--or, at least, a stinging rebuke from Lacoste..

The New Yorker

The vote was both a stinging rebuke to Mr. Mugabe's leadership and a victory for democracy.

The New York Times

"I hated to do that," says Le Guin of delivering this stinging rebuke.

The Guardian - Books

At the rally, Mr. Cheney also delivered a stinging rebuke of the vice president.

The New York Times

And in a stinging rebuke to the Manhattan-centric, he has expressed a blunt preference for Staten Island and Queens.

The New York Times

The vote was seen as a stinging rebuke for the bank, which has struggled to recover from the financial crisis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stinging rebuke" when you want to emphasize a forceful and impactful expression of disapproval. It is particularly effective in describing reactions to political decisions, public statements, or professional misconduct.

Common error

Avoid using "stinging rebuke" in informal or trivial situations. It is a relatively formal expression and sounds out of place when used to describe minor disagreements or light-hearted teasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stinging rebuke" functions as a noun phrase typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., "receive a stinging rebuke", "deliver a stinging rebuke"). It describes a particular kind of criticism that is forceful and impactful. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stinging rebuke" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a forceful and impactful expression of disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, the phrase conveys a strong sense of condemnation, often in response to political decisions, misconduct, or controversial statements. While alternatives like "harsh criticism" or "sharp reprimand" exist, "stinging rebuke" carries a unique emphasis on the discomfort caused by the criticism. Remember to reserve this relatively formal expression for serious or official situations, avoiding its use in overly casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh criticism

Focuses more on the severity of the criticism itself, rather than the act of delivering it.

sharp reprimand

Implies a formal or authoritative correction, often from a superior.

severe condemnation

Indicates a strong and public disapproval, often on moral grounds.

forceful denunciation

Emphasizes the act of publicly declaring something as wrong or evil.

scathing attack

Suggests a more aggressive and destructive form of criticism.

bitter condemnation

Highlights the emotional aspect of the disapproval, indicating strong resentment.

vehement objection

Focuses on the strong opposition and disagreement expressed.

strong disapproval

A more general term indicating a lack of acceptance or support.

firm censure

Implies an official or formal expression of disapproval.

pointed criticism

Highlights the direct and unambiguous nature of the critical remarks.

FAQs

How can I use "stinging rebuke" in a sentence?

You can use "stinging rebuke" to describe a strong expression of disapproval. For example, "The company received a "stinging rebuke" from regulators for its misleading advertising."

What are some alternatives to "stinging rebuke"?

Alternatives include "harsh criticism", "sharp reprimand", or "severe condemnation", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "stinging rebuke" a formal expression?

Yes, "stinging rebuke" is a relatively formal expression, best suited for serious or official contexts, such as news reports, political commentary, or professional evaluations. Consider more informal alternatives for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "stinging rebuke" and "strong criticism"?

"Stinging rebuke" implies a more forceful and impactful expression of disapproval than "strong criticism". A "stinging rebuke" is intended to cause discomfort or shame, while "strong criticism" may simply point out flaws.