reprimand

Word relationships

• admonish: Admonish is a gentle, preventative warning, while reprimand is a formal, documented punishment for a past error.
• censure: Censure is a formal vote of disapproval by an entire governing body, whereas a reprimand is usually delivered by a single supervisor or authority figure.

• commendation: A commendation is an official, written statement of praise, which is the direct bureaucratic opposite of a reprimand.

Commonly confused with

• rebuke: A rebuke is a sharp, immediate, and usually spoken correction, while a reprimand is a formal, structured, and often written disciplinary action.

Word family

• reprimanded (adjective): Having received a formal, official scolding.

Collocations

• written reprimand
• official reprimand
• severely reprimand

Example sentences

• "The HR department issued a written reprimand to the employee for chronic lateness." A corporate disciplinary action.
• "The lieutenant received a public reprimand from the colonel for failing to secure the equipment." A military court martial context.

Memory hook

Think of a 'reprimand' as a 're-press'—you are 'pressing' down on someone's bad behavior with a heavy, official hand. Press down bad behavior with a reprimand.

When not to use

Do not use for casual, informal, or friendly scoldings; it implies an official hierarchy.

Fun facts

• In the military, a 'letter of reprimand' is a career-killing document that is physically filed in an officer's permanent record, often preventing any future promotions.

Related words

rebuke, censure, admonish

Explore more words

remonstrate, chain of command, commendation, repudiate, uncomplimentary, command

Also appears in

• Education & Pedagogy → Discipline & Classroom Management