chide

verb

chid ˈchid How to pronounce chide (audio) or chided ˈchī-dəd How to pronounce chide (audio) ; chid or chidden ˈchi-dᵊn How to pronounce chide (audio) or chided; chiding ˈchī-diŋ How to pronounce chide (audio)

intransitive verb

: to speak out in angry or displeased rebuke
is quick to chide against the mayor for his negligence

transitive verb

: to voice disapproval to : reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner : scold
She chided us for arriving late.
Choose the Right Synonym for chide

reprove, rebuke, reprimand, admonish, reproach, chide mean to criticize adversely.

reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness
chided by their mother for untidiness

Examples of chide in a Sentence

She chided us for arriving late. “You really should have been here on time,” she chided.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Garland chided Mitchell on an alley-oop attempt that Mitchell and Allen both aborted and ended up with a turnover charged to Garland. Tony Jones, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 Plus, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts publicly chided Trump for even suggesting it. Cate Martel, The Hill, 21 Mar. 2025 Parsons fired back that Lawrence was a clown and jealous before Lawrence chided the All-Pro for his consistent social media use. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2025 Moment Al Green is removed from House Chamber during Trump speech 09:48 PM EST Trump chides Democrats for not applauding for him Trump has chided Democrats for not applauding him or standing for him. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chide

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cīdan to quarrel, chide, from cīd strife

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of chide was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chide. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

chide

verb
chid ˈchid How to pronounce chide (audio) or chided ˈchīd-əd How to pronounce chide (audio) ; chid or chidden ˈchid-ᵊn How to pronounce chide (audio) or chided; chiding ˈchīd-iŋ How to pronounce chide (audio)
: to express mild disapproval of

More from Merriam-Webster on chide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!