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

What to know Yanukovich is reviled by many in Ukraine not just for his graft but his rejection of closer ties with the EU in favor of Kyiv's relationship with Moscow which sparked Euromaidan protests in 2014. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

The result, in the hostage case, is an underappreciated diplomatic paradox: Thanks largely to Trump, a deal demanded by the Israeli left and reviled by the right is about to come into effect. —Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025

While Winker might have been reviled by other fans around the league, the 31-year-old was embraced by Mets fans for his style of play and his personality on and off the field. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2025

Many in the region are asking: could the Islamic theocracy in Iran, reviled by its people and a cancer upon the world, be next? —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024