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 Back in the big orange room, LaRoche chides them for paying Sam a visit without him and blows off the suggestion that McGee might be able to use his pull in the publishing world to get his hands on a full copy of Sam’s manuscript. —

Sara Netzley, EW.com, 17 Dec. 2024 President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday night chided President Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter, asking if those prosecuted for rioting at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 would also get a pass. —

Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 2 Dec. 2024 By Jonathan Easley © Kris Connor, Wire Image Democrats chide Biden for pardoning son Hunter DEMOCRATS ARE REELING after President Biden’s move to pardon his son Hunter Biden sent shockwaves across Washington and beyond. —

Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 2 Dec. 2024 Popular on Variety To the narrative’s detriment, the film doesn’t stray far from the safe confines of outdated formulas, wherein a city dweller finds love in a small town and workaholics are chided for choosing a career over love. —

Courtney Howard, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chide

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chide

Verb

Spencer was years ahead of other Republicans in admonishing the GOP to be more welcoming to Latinos.

— George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025
Giuliani has been frequently disruptive at previous court hearings in the case, and Judge Lewis Liman has admonished him several times.

— Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025