REVILE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

revile

verb

Definition of revile next

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

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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

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 revile Gülen also became an isolated figure within Turkey, reviled by Erdoğan’s supporters and shunned by the opposition which saw his network as having conspired over decades to undermine the secular foundations of the republic. —

Reuters, NBC News, 21 Oct. 2024 On the West Coast, manager and filmmaker Chris Stokes wrote and directed 2004’s critically reviled, quietly beloved You Got Served, a showcase for the gifts of Marques Houston and B2K, acts from his label, the Ultimate Group. —

Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024 Photograph: Getty Images Spotify Wrapped’s animated yearly recap of your listening habits—at once beloved and reviled—is back again. —

Elana Klein, WIRED, 4 Dec. 2024 Something in me reviled at reading many books on the subject. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for revile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for revile

Verb

James' next opportunity to play will be on Thursday when the Lakers host their biggest and most hated rival, the Boston Celtics, at home.

— Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
That’s why Big Business hates her April 24, 2023 Creamer said there have been no indications that immigrants in Kern County were responsible for a wave of violent crime, the ostensible justification for the raids.

— Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025