admonition

noun

ad·​mo·​ni·​tion ˌad-mə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce admonition (audio)
1
: gentle or friendly reproof
remembered the admonition to keep it simple
2
: counsel or warning against fault or oversight
the principal's admonition against bullying

Examples of admonition in a Sentence

an admonition to be careful He offered words of advice and admonition.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rob Blanchard, the governor’s communications director, already had announced an end to the press conference, an admonition ignored by the press — and governor. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025 Tens of thousands were expected to march from Daley Plaza and coalesce in defiance and admonition of Trump near the downtown hotel tower bearing his name. Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025 Although there are few formal guidelines, a consensus has formed around consent when possible, de-identification when not, and adherence to the admonition that the patient’s welfare always comes first. Danielle Ofri, New Yorker, 7 June 2025 The admonition follows a similar warning from three U.S. senators — Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for admonition

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ammonicioun, admonicioun, borrowed from Anglo-French amonicion, borrowed from Latin admonitiōn-, admonitiō, from admoni- (variant stem of admonēre "to admonish") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of admonition was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Admonition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/admonition. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

admonition

noun
ad·​mo·​ni·​tion ˌad-mə-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce admonition (audio)
: a gentle or friendly criticism or warning

More from Merriam-Webster on admonition

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