chide

verb

ˈchīd 

chid ˈchid  or chided ˈchī-dəd  ; chid or chidden ˈchi-dᵊn  or chided; chiding ˈchī-diŋ 

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.

Synonyms

• admonish
• rebuke
• reprimand
• reproach
• reprove
• tick off

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

Houston’s Sampson was once chided for wearing sweatpants Kelvin Sampson, the 69-year-old Houston coach, wore suits on the sideline for decades before the pandemic. —Kristie Rieken, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025

Ahead of their set, bandleader Marcus Mumford sat down with Fallon for an interview and playfully chided him for his short intro at the anniversary event. —Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025

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

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

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

Rhymes for chide

• bide
• bride
• cried
• died
• dried
• dyed
• eid
• eide
• eyed
• flied
• fried
• glide

Kids Definition

chide

verb

ˈchīd 

chid ˈchid  or chided ˈchīd-əd  ; chid or chidden ˈchid-ᵊn  or chided; chiding ˈchīd-iŋ 

: to express mild disapproval of