BERATE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'berate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of berate are rail , revile , scold , upbraid , and vituperate . While all these words mean "to reproach angrily and abusively," berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding. // berated continually by an overbearing boss

Q: When is 'rail' a more appropriate choice than 'berate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to berate , rail ( at or against ) stresses an unrestrained berating. // railed loudly at their insolence

Q: Where would 'revile' be a reasonable alternative to 'berate'?

In some situations, the words revile and berate are roughly equivalent. However, revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred. // an alleged killer reviled in the press

Q: When could 'scold' be used to replace 'berate'?

The synonyms scold and berate are sometimes interchangeable, but scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly. // angrily scolding the children

Q: When can 'upbraid' be used instead of 'berate'?

The words upbraid and berate 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 'berate'?

The meanings of vituperate and berate largely overlap; however, vituperate suggests a violent reviling. // was vituperated for betraying his friends

berate

verb

bi-ˈrāt

Definition of berate next

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings there's no need to berate someone for making a mistake during the first day on the job

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb berate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of berate are rail, revile, scold, upbraid, and vituperate. While all these words mean "to reproach angrily and abusively," berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding.

berated continually by an overbearing boss

When is rail a more appropriate choice than berate?

While in some cases nearly identical to berate, rail (at or against) stresses an unrestrained berating.

railed loudly at their insolence

Where would revile be a reasonable alternative to berate?

In some situations, the words revile and berate are roughly equivalent. However, revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred.

an alleged killer reviled in the press

When could scold be used to replace berate?

The synonyms scold and berate are sometimes interchangeable, but scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly.

angrily scolding the children

When can upbraid be used instead of berate?

The words upbraid and berate 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 berate?

The meanings of vituperate and berate largely overlap; however, 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 berate Refugee advocacy organizations berated the new emergency order. —

Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 26 May 2026 The Portugal midfielder was livid with his United team-mates for their role in Phil Foden’s opening goal, openly berating them as City celebrated. —

Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 May 2026 In the past, particularly bad fliers could spend the entirety of the attraction being berated by the character of Ohnaka. —

Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026 Some commenters pointed out moments when the robots seemed to mishandle packages and berated robots for occasionally dropping packages. —

Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for berate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for berate

Verb

Someone else scolds the offender.

— Judith Martin, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
This time, however, Charlotte promptly scolded him for his untoward behavior.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 13 June 2026

Definition of scold

Verb

All while performatively lecturing and demanding everyone agree with his viewpoints.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
If and until that day comes, there will be fingerpointing, lecturing and posturing, all of which has flowed freely in the wake of the Sorsby decision.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 June 2026

Definition of lecture

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

Definition of reprimand

Verb

Cooper Freeman, Alaska director at the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, sharply criticized the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Plenty of those who populate that category are championed instead of criticized.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2026