Synonyms of chide

chide

verb

ˈchīd 

as in to admonish

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault

my wife chided me for forgetting to offer our guests some refreshments

Synonyms & Similar Words

• admonish
• scold
• reprimand
• criticize
• blame
• fault
• rebuke
• reprove
• reproach
• berate
• get after
• lambast
• get on
• mock
• upbraid
• condemn
• tick off
• castigate
• lambaste
• harangue
• diss
• excoriate
• disparage
• assail
• bad-mouth
• belittle
• deride
• rail (at or against)
• burn one's ears
• crucify
• censure
• denounce
• minimize
• flay
• lecture
• reprehend
• knock
• attack
• jaw
• dress down
• ridicule
• scoff
• chew out
• lash
• slam
• deprecate
• keelhaul
• pan
• scorn
• rate
• abuse
• score
• dis
• blast
• put down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• endorse
• okay
• indorse
• sanction
• OK
• applaud
• extol
• salute
• praise
• laud
• tout
• hail
• extoll

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb chide contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chide are admonish, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

When might admonish be a better fit than chide?

Although the words admonish and chide have much in common, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When can rebuke be used instead of chide?

While the synonyms rebuke and chide are close in meaning, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

In what contexts can reprimand take the place of chide?

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

reprimanded by the ethics committee

When could reprove be used to replace chide?

The meanings of reprove and chide largely overlap; however, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of chide

Furthermore, anyone not on the bandwagon is chided as being out of touch. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

In the chamber, the atmosphere for Tuesday’s speech was much more caustic this time around, not just for Trump, who chided Democrats for not getting on board and applauding him, and the opposition party, with many of the members booing and brandishing signs calling out the president and Elon Musk. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025

Adra chuckles, gently chiding his friend for his impatience and his need to effect change immediately. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025

Also Friday, at a meeting with governors in the White House, Trump stopped abruptly to chide Gov. Janet Mills of Maine for resisting his executive order barring transgender athletes from women’s sports. —Maureen Dowd, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025