CHIDE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of chide are admonish , rebuke , reprimand , reproach , and reprove . While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," 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 might 'admonish' be a better fit than 'chide'?

Although the words admonish and chide have much in common, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel. // admonished by my parents to control expenses

Q: When can 'rebuke' be used instead of 'chide'?

While the synonyms rebuke and chide are close in meaning, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof. // the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

Q: In what contexts can 'reprimand' take the place of 'chide'?

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

Q: When could 'reprove' be used to replace 'chide'?

The meanings of reprove and chide largely overlap; however, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault. // gently reproved my table manners

chide

verb

ˈchīd

Definition of chide next

as in to admonish

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault my wife chided me for forgetting to offer our guests some refreshments

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb chide contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chide are admonish, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

When might admonish be a better fit than chide?

Although the words admonish and chide have much in common, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When can rebuke be used instead of chide?

While the synonyms rebuke and chide are close in meaning, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

In what contexts can reprimand take the place of chide?

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

reprimanded by the ethics committee

When could reprove be used to replace chide?

The meanings of reprove and chide largely overlap; however, 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 chide After the game, Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack chided Fox in the locker room for missing Winston at one point and failing to get a third sack. —

Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 4 Nov. 2024 Adra chuckles, gently chiding his friend for his impatience and his need to effect change immediately. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 The big picture: Black men also have become a focal point in battleground states Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, with Democrats courting them — and sometimes chiding them for not getting firmly behind Harris, a Black woman. —

Russell Contreras, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024 More:Streets of mud: Helene dashes small town's hopes in North Carolina More:Biden to visit North Carolina to tour Helene damage as Trump chides response Sign-up for Your Vote: Text with the USA TODAY elections team. —

Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chide

Verb

The House Ethics Committee admonished Gaetz for his comments.

Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Nov. 2024
But even now, Ken admonishes himself for trying to silo da Vinci’s expertise into such restrictive disciplines.

Hunter Ingram for Variety, ARTnews.com, 21 Nov. 2024