ADMONISH Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'admonish' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of admonish are chide , rebuke , reprimand , reproach , and reprove . While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel. // admonished by my parents to control expenses

Q: Where would 'rebuke' be a reasonable alternative to 'admonish'?

The words rebuke and admonish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof. // the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

Q: When is it sensible to use 'reprimand' instead of 'admonish'?

While in some cases nearly identical to admonish , reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke. // reprimanded by the ethics committee

Q: How are the words 'reproach' and 'chide' related as synonyms of 'admonish'?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding. // reproached him for tardiness // chided by their mother for untidiness

Q: When is 'reprove' a more appropriate choice than 'admonish'?

The words reprove and admonish can be used in similar contexts, but reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault. // gently reproved my table manners

admonish

verb

ad-ˈmä-nish

Definition of admonish next

as in to reprimand

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault admonished her for littering

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to advise

to give advice to my physician is always admonishing me to eat more healthy foods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb admonish contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of admonish are chide, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

Where would rebuke be a reasonable alternative to admonish?

The words rebuke and admonish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When is it sensible to use reprimand instead of admonish?

While in some cases nearly identical to admonish, reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

How are the words reproach and chide related as synonyms of admonish?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

When is reprove a more appropriate choice than admonish?

The words reprove and admonish can be used in similar contexts, but reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

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 admonish Sufficiently admonished, we’re set loose from the veranda of the Four Seasons Scottsdale and into the foothills of the Sonoran Desert. —

Jaclyn Trop, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024 In addition to commemorating a celebration of survival, Thanksgiving provides the opportunity, as the lyrics of the old song admonishes, to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. —

Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 25 Nov. 2024 The latest: Several Democrats in tight races publicly admonished Biden on Wednesday. —

Andrew Solender, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 Tyler admonished viewers for digging into his private life, saying his children's birth certificates have now been made public. —

Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for admonish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for admonish

Verb

Faced with claims of enabling fentanyl supply, officials from both China and Mexico have reprimanded the U.S. for enabling the drug’s demand.

Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Dec. 2024
The 49ers wasted no time in reprimanding Campbell for his action.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024