reproachful

Examples

• All

• Andrew's shoulders slumped; he muttered a reproachful "Dad" under his breath.

  Fiction book (1993)

• Usually, the comment was accompanied by a reproachful look, as if the man had run off rather than died.

  Fiction book (1999)

• I could not think of anything to say that would not sound reproachful.

  Fiction book (2001)

• Oh, I'm not meaning this in any reproachful way.

  A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

• I stopped to look at her, but her expression had become reproachful, as if I were somehow responsible for her fate.

  Fiction book (1994)

• But the old woman surprised him with a quick, reproachful glare.

  Fiction book (1990)

• Sunny gave him a reproachful look, but didn't seem shocked.

  Fiction book (1999)

• Monica was twelve years old, intimidatingly intelligent, and a master of reproachful looks.

  Fiction book (1995)

• "I wish we could have captured one of those assassins," he says, giving the bodyguard a reproachful glance.

  Fiction book (2000)

• Tamborel ate supper fast, while Hwyllum scolded and Eleyna looked on with reproachful eyes.

  Fiction book (1993)

Synonyms

D

derogatory

vsreproachful

39 6.9

Expressing an insulting, disrespectful view of someone or something

aims at blame and criticism rather than insulting or demeaning tone

S

scornful

vsreproachful

7 5.1

Showing that you think someone does not deserve respect

expresses blame and disapproval rather than primarily contempt or disdain

D

disapproving

vsreproachful

5 3.4

Showing that you do not agree with or like something

is more likely to show blame rather than neutral disapproval

D

disparaging

vsreproachful

• Offensive

1 7.0

Showing a low opinion of someone or something

focuses on blaming or criticizing rather than simply showing disrespect

C

condemnatory

vsreproachful

1 7.9

Showing strong disapproval of someone or something

is milder, showing blame but usually without harsh denunciation

A

admonitory

vsreproachful

1 8.3

Giving a warning to show disapproval

shows blame or disapproval instead of merely warning or cautioning

O

opprobrious

vsreproachful

• Formal

1 9.9

Making people feel ashamed in public with strong criticism

focuses on private blame or disapproval rather than public shaming or disgrace

R

reproving

vsreproachful

7.4

Showing that someone is not happy and trying to correct them

focuses on blame or disapproval rather than correction or teaching

A

admonishing

vsreproachful

6.5

Showing mild criticism to help someone behave better

expresses blame rather than focusing on correcting actions

D

depreciatory

vsreproachful

8.2

Showing that someone or something is not important and often insulting them

addresses blame or fault more directly rather than lowering value

C

condemning

vsreproachful

4.9

Showing that you think something is wrong

expresses blame without necessarily declaring complete wrongness or unacceptability

Antonyms

P

praiseful

6.6

Showing approval by saying good things about someone or their work

A

approving

1.3

Showing that you like and accept someone or something

How Disapproving

scornful

7 5.1

condemning

4.9

reproachful

2 6.5

critical

210 3.8

disapproving

5 3.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology