Synonyms of chide

chide

verb

ˈchīd 

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

• admonish
• scold
• reprimand
• criticize
• blame
• fault
• rebuke
• reprove
• reproach
• berate
• get after
• lambast
• get on
• mock
• upbraid
• condemn
• tick off
• castigate
• lambaste
• harangue
• diss
• excoriate
• disparage
• assail
• bad-mouth
• belittle
• deride
• rail (at or against)
• burn one's ears
• crucify
• censure
• denounce
• minimize
• flay
• lecture
• reprehend
• knock
• attack
• jaw
• dress down
• ridicule
• scoff
• chew out
• lash
• slam
• deprecate
• keelhaul
• pan
• scorn
• rate
• abuse
• score
• dis
• blast
• put down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• endorse
• okay
• indorse
• sanction
• OK
• applaud
• extol
• salute
• praise
• laud
• tout
• hail
• extoll

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of chide

He was grilled about gun violence, heckled about Elon Musk’s cost-cutting initiative and chided for his support of Israel. —Kirby Wilson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025

Burrows on Tuesday did not mention redistricting but chided Democrats for not showing up to debate the flood response package. —Nadia Lathan, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025

But the series has met fan derision, whether over Carrie’s often typically erratic emotional behavior (chiding Miranda for eating her yogurt? —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Aug. 2025

The government's 30-page filing praises Joseph's report and recommendation, and chides the defense for incorrectly characterizing previous rulings. —John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025