revile

verb

re·​vile ri-ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce revile (audio)
reviled; reviling

transitive verb

: to subject to verbal abuse : vituperate

intransitive verb

: to use abusive language : rail
revilement noun
reviler noun
Choose the Right Synonym for revile

scold, upbraid, berate, rail, revile, vituperate mean to reproach angrily and abusively.

scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly.

angrily scolding the children

upbraid implies censuring on definite and usually justifiable grounds.

upbraided her assistants for poor research

berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding.

berated continually by an overbearing boss

rail (at or against) stresses an unrestrained berating.

railed loudly at their insolence

revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred.

an alleged killer reviled in the press

vituperate suggests a violent reviling.

was vituperated for betraying his friends

Examples of revile in a Sentence

Many people reviled him for his callous behavior.
Recent Examples on the Web Israel, the United States and its allies viewed him as a dangerous terrorist, widely reviled even before the Oct. 7 attacks in which 1,200 people died and around 250 were taken hostage. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 18 Oct. 2024 Nasrallah inspired strong feelings in the Lebanese – revered and reviled in equal measure. Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, 29 Sep. 2024 The scent is both revered and reviled for its powerful sillage—the trail a perfume leaves behind. Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024 He was beloved by people as much as he was reviled by people. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for revile 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'revile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French reviler to despise, from re- + vil vile

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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

Dictionary Entries Near revile

Cite this Entry

“Revile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revile. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

revile

verb
re·​vile ri-ˈvī(ə)l How to pronounce revile (audio)
reviled; reviling
: to speak to or about in an insulting way
revilement noun
reviler noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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