Definition of admonishnext

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

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 admonish Stiller responded — but not before Smith was admonished by Shaquille O’Neal, who was also part of the pregame panel and let Smith know that the lifelong Knicks fan had not yet announced his project. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026 The caller stopped a man from shoplifting and admonished him. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 9 June 2026 At one point, Crabtree admonished them to stop talking over each other. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026 When news of Israel’s secret outposts in Iraq’s desert emerged, Iraqis admonished their leaders as traitors, and the boisterous militiamen affiliated with the government as impostors for allowing their land to be colonized by an enemy. Nabil Salih, Time, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for admonish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admonish
Verb
  • One notable instance came in season 1 of America's Sweethearts, when Powell was reprimanded for asking where her ornament was on the locker room Christmas tree, as opposed to expressing gratitude for the decorations.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026
  • Later on during the trial, the judge reprimanded Pino and his supporters for hugging and physical embracing him while court was in session and the jury was present.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • In states shrouded by Jim Crow laws, Black Americans were advised where and where not to drive.
    Lee Cowan, CBS News, 28 June 2026
  • In the same breath, a heatwave doesn’t help when authorities are advising people stay indoors.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • This ancient poem isn’t interested in scolding women for their sexuality, but in the establishment of honor in the elite household.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 June 2026
  • Davis remembered once being scolded as a teenager by her mother after being caught speaking poorly of a classmate.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Seeking respite from the sizzling weather, people and companies across Europe are snapping up portable and fixed air conditioners as some countries warn the heat wave could intensify.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Opponents argue agencies could avoid some of the service cuts officials have warned about by pausing capital improvement projects, including extensions.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Then-Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt criticized the prosecution and sought to intervene, arguing the case raised broader questions about Missourians' rights to defend themselves and their property.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026
  • Moore himself has repeatedly criticized the White House on education policy.
    Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • While younger generations were taught in school about the atrocities of the Holocaust, the book found that family lore continued to sanitize the past with grandparents often painted as heroes, rescuers or victims themselves.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
  • Those conversations taught him to look at himself as someone who could solve problems.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump blames vandalism for the troubles with the reflecting pool renovation, announces people are being arrested.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • The logic here is highly questionable — dying for your queen and dying by her hand are not equivalent sacrifices — but let’s blame Lorent’s lapse in judgment on the chaos of the moment.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • He is chided for his opinions on race and for believing that women have less brainpower than men.
    Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • Hokit, who has a history of making tasteless comments after his fights, including the same Obama jab, drew mixed reaction from the UFC Freedom 250 crowd — and also from social media users, with some repeating the false claim in the comments on Hokit’s Instagram page and others chiding it.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Admonish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admonish. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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