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 The Anti-Defamation League released a statement admonishing Carslon's speech. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 23 Sep. 2025 Judge questions Amazon's legal tactics In July, Judge Chun formally admonished Amazon lawyers for some of their legal tactics in the lawsuit. Alina Selyukh, NPR, 23 Sep. 2025 But when the teleprompter apparently failed to display his speech, the president delayed his remarks to instead jokingly admonish the staffer in charge of managing the device. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025 The Wall Street Journal editorial board admonished Bondi over her hate speech comments in an editorial published late Tuesday. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for admonish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admonish
Verb
  • To this end, Cucinelli urged the independent players to tap into the online commerce without betraying their identity of exclusivity and desirability, subtly reprimanding those who embraced the gray market outright.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Turnage was not disciplined or reprimanded in connection with the investigation, according to the lawsuit.
    Miami Herald, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ellison has made a series of C-level hires since the deal closed, including Makan Delrahim, who advised Skydance on its acquisition of Paramount Global, as chief legal officer; former Meta exec Dane Glasgow as chief product officer; and Roku’s Jay Askinasi as chief revenue officer.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Experts still advise moderation—about 8 ounces a day—since too much can add unnecessary sugar to your diet.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Royal Dutch Medical Association scolded the psychiatrists, and prosecutors declined to act.
    Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Like an impatient parent scolding their toddler, Frankenstein grows frustrated with his monster’s limited capacity for speech.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Economists warn the incoming administration faces immediate challenges, including securing fuel supplies and building coalitions in a fragmented legislature.
    Reuters 3 min ago, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Feeling superior to these women, Alina warned me, was a fool’s comfort.
    Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The prince was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein's victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Andrew was widely criticized for failing to show empathy for Epstein’s victims and for offering unbelievable explanations for his friendship with the disgraced financier.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Michael Meredith, an avid duck hunter, will teach basic calling techniques.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Antipsychotic medications can reduce hallucinations and delusions, while therapies and rehabilitations can address specific concerns, like teaching cognitive techniques or enhancing social skills to interact with others.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But some Republicans blamed Newsom for the freeway closure, calling it an over-reaction.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Now, blaming the shutdown, the Education Department is trying to lay off an additional 465 people, cutting deeply into multiple offices.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Maybe that’s a delicate dance even for Drinkwitz, who invoked the Alabama game several times but semi-playfully chided the media for relevant questions about the stuff that plainly needs to be shored up.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Trump has previously publicly chided Netanyahu for stalling the deal.
    Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Admonish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admonish. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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