These words are comparable in meaning to express disapproval, either mildly or sharply, of some fault or misdeed. To rebuke is to criticize or call down with sharpness, and often with abruptness, usually in the midst of some action or course of action: to rebuke a worker whose clumsiness was responsible for the complete breakdown of operations in his department.

Admonish and reprove indicate mild forms of disapproval. Admonish may be used in giving warning or counsel where no wrong is implied and often simply refers to duty which might have been forgotten, or might be in the future: to admonish a student about the lateness of his assignments. Reprove also suggests mild or even friendly criticism designed less to chasten than to help correct a fault or pattern of misbehaviour: to reprove a child for telling fibs.

To reproach is to express the kind of disapproval that arises from a personal hurt, anger or grief at someone’s thoughtlessness or selfishness: reproaching her husband for having forgotten their wedding anniversary.

Censure and reprimand agree in indicating a formal and, usually, public or official disapproval. Reprimand suggests a direct confrontation between the offender and his critic; one may censure directly or indirectly: the judge who sharply reprimanded a witness for being evasive and uncooperative; to censure a politician for flagrantly violating parliamentary standards of ethical behaviour; a newspaper editorial that censured misuse of government vehicles.