Synonyms of revile

revile

verb

as in to hate

formal to speak about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way

Many people reviled him for his callous behavior.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hate
• criticize
• blame
• attack
• condemn
• denounce
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• scold
• disparage
• admonish
• decry
• belittle
• abominate
• fault
• deprecate
• diss
• censure
• execrate
• anathematize
• damn
• dispraise
• ostracize
• knock
• pan
• sentence
• slam
• reprehend
• chide
• excommunicate
• convict
• doom
• chastise
• reprobate
• dis
• reprimand
• blast
• berate
• upbraid
• rebuke
• blacklist
• castigate
• reproach
• curse
• lambast
• vituperate
• reprove
• rake
• imprecate
• lambaste

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• endorse
• indorse
• sanction
• exalt
• praise
• glorify
• extol
• commend
• applaud
• laud
• salute
• honor
• hail
• revere
• tout
• sanctify
• consecrate
• eulogize
• acclaim
• extoll
• bless
• venerate
• hallow

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

Recent Examples of revile

More dad rock, less prestige TV Of course, despite this game's positive reception among many fans, Assassin’s Creed in general is often reviled by some critics and gamers. —ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025

Alex Cora was on a one-year contract as the Red Sox manager, beloved in the clubhouse but still reviled in many corners for his participation in the Astros cheating scandal. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025

Listen to this article Loading your audio article For most of her long life, Yoko Ono has been reviled by many rock critics and music fans as the dragon lady who glommed on to a lovesick John Lennon and broke up the Beatles. —Paul Liberatore, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025

But while Dhillon became a conservative favorite, she was reviled by her opponents. —David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025