Synonyms of admonish

admonish

verb

ad-ˈmä-nish 

1

as in to reprimand

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault

admonished her for littering

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to advise

to give advice to

my physician is always admonishing me to eat more healthy foods

Synonyms & Similar Words

• advise
• warn
• teach
• tell
• convince
• encourage
• counsel
• inform
• adjure
• urge
• persuade
• caution
• alert
• instruct
• guide
• coach
• forewarn
• beg
• mentor
• clue (in)
• exhort
• steer
• wise (up)
• induce
• recommend
• fill in
• suggest
• implore
• familiarize
• apprise
• talk (into)
• lead
• propose
• acquaint
• show
• prevail (upon)
• brief
• shepherd
• pilot
• direct
• tutor

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

Recent Examples of admonish

When one attendee attempted to bend the rules, Reilly admonished the punter, urging them to live in the moment and absorb the connection between the performer and the audience. —Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025

For the past several years, clips from the show have circulated on TikTok and X—with certain viewers admonishing Banks for some of her views about the modeling industry. —Essence, 25 Feb. 2025

The judge also admonished state officials for refusing to make the new nitrogen hypoxia protocol publicly available. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

At the White House on Friday, Vance also admonished Zelenskyy for not expressing gratitude to the United States. —Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025

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