ADMONISH Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'admonish' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of admonish are chide , rebuke , reprimand , reproach , and reprove . While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel. // admonished by my parents to control expenses

Q: Where would 'rebuke' be a reasonable alternative to 'admonish'?

The words rebuke and admonish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof. // the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

Q: When is it sensible to use 'reprimand' instead of 'admonish'?

While in some cases nearly identical to admonish , reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke. // reprimanded by the ethics committee

Q: How are the words 'reproach' and 'chide' related as synonyms of 'admonish'?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding. // reproached him for tardiness // chided by their mother for untidiness

Q: When is 'reprove' a more appropriate choice than 'admonish'?

The words reprove and admonish can be used in similar contexts, but reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault. // gently reproved my table manners

admonish

verb

ad-ˈmä-nish

Definition of admonish next

as in to reprimand

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault admonished her for littering

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to advise

to give advice to my physician is always admonishing me to eat more healthy foods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb admonish contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of admonish are chide, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

Where would rebuke be a reasonable alternative to admonish?

The words rebuke and admonish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When is it sensible to use reprimand instead of admonish?

While in some cases nearly identical to admonish, reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

How are the words reproach and chide related as synonyms of admonish?

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

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

When is reprove a more appropriate choice than admonish?

The words reprove and admonish can be used in similar contexts, but reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of admonish But even now, Ken admonishes himself for trying to silo da Vinci’s expertise into such restrictive disciplines. —

Hunter Ingram For Variety, ARTnews.com, 21 Nov. 2024 The news division was roiled Monday after management admonished Dokoupil on an editorial call over his exchange with Coates on the Sept. 30 edition of the program. —

Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024 So chances are Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor did not get to good-naturedly admonish Ohtani for overshadowing the best season of his career, a la Cecil Cooper with George Brett more than 44 years earlier. —

Jerry Beach, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 Sufficiently admonished, we’re set loose from the veranda of the Four Seasons Scottsdale and into the foothills of the Sonoran Desert. —

Jaclyn Trop, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for admonish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for admonish

Verb

At one point, when Mr. Mastro raised his hand to make a point after his time had expired, Judge Gordon reprimanded him swiftly.

Tracey Tully, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
During the trial, the judge frequently reprimanded Habba for being argumentative and violating basic rules of the court.

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024