chide

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

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 chide Zemlinsky, who also mentored Schoenberg, discerned real promise in Mahler-Werfel but chided her for getting distracted by the social whirl. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 Making a statement: The send-a-message-to-the-Academy vote Dune: Part Two – Jon Spaihts & Denis Villeneuve The guild could chide the Academy’s writers branch by awarding this film’s script, which the branch declined to even nominate. Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025 After briefly chiding President-elect Donald Trump for railing against California politicians, Kimmel turned the spotlight onto first responders, including the inmate crews that have been battling the wildfires. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025 That, in turn, drew backlash from a range of voices chiding Ocasio-Cortez, who is not Jewish, for discounting the voice of a prominent Jewish group. Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chide
Verb
  • The judge admonished us daily to not discuss any of the details of the trial with anybody.
    Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Zelensky said Trump was falling into a Russian disinformation trap — and was quickly admonished by Vice President JD Vance about the perils of publicly criticizing the new president.
    AAMER MADHANI, TIME, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • At one point, an appalled Robinson came outside to scold her daughter.
    Rachel DeSantis, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • On the other side of the FaceTime call is none other than Set It Off star Vivica Fox, who scolds Glo for sleeping in.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Lambert made headlines for stopping mid-show to reprimand an audience member who was doing just that.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 17 Feb. 2025
  • The World’s Best Hospitals 2024 By Dr. Thomas Lee Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 In the pilot episode of HBO's new medical drama The Pitt, a dedicated ER doctor is reprimanded for his low Press Ganey patient satisfaction scores.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The agreement is already being heavily criticized by New York City Council leaders, after prosecutors resigned in protest against a directive from Trump's Department of Justice to dismiss corruption charges against Adams so the mayor could assist with the Republican president's immigration agenda.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Before Republicans start criticizing Democrats about their dependence on federal dollars, a quick review of the facts may be warranted.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Stephen Henriques, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Ballard blamed himself for not cultivating a more dog-eat-dog mentality throughout the entire roster.
    James Boyd, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Ehrlich can hardly be blamed for the most coercive incarnations of population control.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chide. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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