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 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced angry protests from Israelis admonishing him to end the war and bring the captives home. —

Erin McLaughlin, NBC News, 14 Oct. 2024 The issue of crying babies on planes is a frequent source of conflict, with some passengers glaring, yelling or more recently, locking the offending child in the lavatory to admonish them. —

Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 19 Sep. 2024 Explore the section Most recently, the California Coastal Commission has repeatedly admonished the company for performing unauthorized work on the pipeline in an attempt to ready the equipment for transporting oil. —

Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 Your parents may admonish you for taking the first offer that’s extended to you. —

Jack Kelly, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for admonish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for admonish

Verb

In the months since, Whitaker has criticized and reprimanded the prosecution over its disorganized handling of the case.

Justin Curto, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024
Sometimes the moderator might also jump onto that bandwagon and reprimand the missing candidate.

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024