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

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 rail

Noun

The rail authority’s new chief executive, Ian Choudri, said the project’s future was strong. —

Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025 The country also exerts control over much of the mining and refining of critical minerals essential to the global economy and boasts some of the world’s most advanced infrastructure, including the largest high-speed rail network and cutting-edge 5G systems. —

Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025

Verb

Despite the special treatment, Mr. Trump and his lawyers have railed against Justice Merchan and his family since the case began. —

Ben Protess, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Since then, several Asian American and civil rights groups have been railing against the move. —

Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for rail

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rail

Noun

Many people advised the mom to research Montessori beds, which are designed without restrictive railings and low enough to the floor for toddlers to independently get in and out.

Latoya Gayle, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025
To avoid being stabbed, Williams leapt over a railing and broke a vertebrae and ankle.

Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025