revile

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb revile differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of revile are berate, rail, scold, upbraid, and vituperate. While all these words mean "to reproach angrily and abusively," revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred.

an alleged killer reviled in the press

When is berate a more appropriate choice than revile?

The synonyms berate and revile are sometimes interchangeable, but berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding.

berated continually by an overbearing boss

In what contexts can rail take the place of revile?

The words rail and revile can be used in similar contexts, but rail (at or against) stresses an unrestrained berating.

railed loudly at their insolence

When could scold be used to replace revile?

In some situations, the words scold and revile are roughly equivalent. However, scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly.

angrily scolding the children

When might upbraid be a better fit than revile?

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

upbraided her assistants for poor research

When would vituperate be a good substitute for revile?

While the synonyms vituperate and revile are close in meaning, 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 revile Those cases, though reviled at the time by liberals, will be quite useful to those seeking to limit presidential power today. George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025 Cancel the totally unnecessary and reviled military parade, which would cost millions. Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025 There are a lot of reasons why great movies can be underrated, ignored, or even reviled. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 May 2025 When a hype video played before his speech, the crowd laughed when criticism from Bernie Sanders, Tucker Carlson, and Lou Dobbs played on the screens—a nod to the fact that Koch is reviled by those who otherwise share zero in common, yet has not backed down. Philip Elliott, Time, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for revile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for revile
Verb
  • But the men in the old boys’ club hated sharing the spotlight with a woman.
    Gillian Telling, People.com, 16 June 2025
  • During his playing days, Brett absolutely hated the Yankees, largely because the teams met in the playoffs four times.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Several Make America Great Again (MAGA) figures, such as Laura Loomer, are criticizing Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over his ties to the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting.
    Mandy Taheri Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • Dominican born, and now a U.S. citizen, Almanzar criticized the flurry of ICE arrests across the city.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Tax rise hit Domestic tax rises have also been blamed for the steep decline in economic activity.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 12 June 2025
  • Chicago Tribune If the plan goes awry and a recruit slips away, one thing the former NBA insider refuses to do is blame the money.
    Maura Carey, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Revile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/revile. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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