Thesaurus results for RAIL

Q: How does the verb 'rail' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rail are berate , revile , scold , upbraid , and vituperate . While all these words mean "to reproach angrily and abusively," rail ( at or against ) stresses an unrestrained berating. // railed loudly at their insolence

Q: When could 'berate' be used to replace 'rail'?

In some situations, the words berate and rail are roughly equivalent. However, berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding. // berated continually by an overbearing boss

Q: When is it sensible to use 'revile' instead of 'rail'?

While the synonyms revile and rail are close in meaning, revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred. // an alleged killer reviled in the press

Q: When is 'scold' a more appropriate choice than 'rail'?

The words scold and rail can be used in similar contexts, but scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly. // angrily scolding the children

Q: When would 'upbraid' be a good substitute for 'rail'?

The words upbraid and rail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, upbraid implies censuring on definite and usually justifiable grounds. // upbraided her assistants for poor research

Q: In what contexts can 'vituperate' take the place of 'rail'?

The synonyms vituperate and rail are sometimes interchangeable, but vituperate suggests a violent reviling. // was vituperated for betraying his friends

rail 1 of 2

noun

ˈrāl

Definition of rail next

as in railing

a protective barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and its supports the stairs are icy, so hold onto the rail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in road

a roadway overlaid with parallel steel rails over which trains travel an abandoned stretch of rail that was overgrown with brush

Synonyms & Similar Words

rail

2 of 2

verb

as in to rant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rail differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rail are berate, revile, scold, upbraid, and vituperate. While all these words mean "to reproach angrily and abusively," rail (at or against) stresses an unrestrained berating.

railed loudly at their insolence

When could berate be used to replace rail?

In some situations, the words berate and rail are roughly equivalent. However, berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding.

berated continually by an overbearing boss

When is it sensible to use revile instead of rail?

While the synonyms revile and rail are close in meaning, revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred.

an alleged killer reviled in the press

When is scold a more appropriate choice than rail?

The words scold and rail can be used in similar contexts, but scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly.

angrily scolding the children

When would upbraid be a good substitute for rail?

The words upbraid and rail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, upbraid implies censuring on definite and usually justifiable grounds.

upbraided her assistants for poor research

In what contexts can vituperate take the place of rail?

The synonyms vituperate and rail are sometimes interchangeable, but vituperate suggests a violent reviling.

was vituperated for betraying his friends

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 rail

Noun

One of the main points of the rail electrification was to reduce diesel emissions in the San Jose to San Francisco corridor by 96%. —

Dave Cortese, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025 As the three remaining Traitors slowly make their way into the turret, traitors Danielle and Carolyn rail in confessional against Boston Rob, forcing their hands, and a song plays. —

Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025

Verb

Throughout the campaign, Trump railed against certain broadcasters, saying the FCC should yank their broadcast licenses. —

Los Angeles Times, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2025 The visit to Panama comes as President Donald Trump has railed against the South American country for weeks, calling for the United States to reclaim the Panama Canal. —

Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for rail

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rail

Noun

Shortly after, Lipa shared an Instagram carousel of her look without revealing the ring, with the exception of one picture in which her left hand openly rests on a railing.

— Michelle Lee, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Lorraine was waiting, leaning on the railing of a lower deck, when Dani passed by.

— Sheila Heti, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025