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 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 Tesla While the popularity of electric vehicles like Tesla in California has led to a notable decline in carbon pollution from cars there, the company’s factory in the state has been repeatedly admonished for releasing toxic air pollution and other toxic chemicals into the surrounding community. Taylor Kate Brown, ProPublica, 17 Sep. 2025 However, support wanes for admonishing recently deceased figures, especially among Republicans. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2025 Warning shared, and I’ve been gingerly admonished. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for admonish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admonish
Verb
  • There is a form of right-of-center liberalism that is content with status hierarchies, that is very unhappy with anything that makes people feel reprimanded.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), threatened networks to reprimand Kimmel.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • They’re known as a group of antiheroes who take matters into their own hands, despite what the world’s governments advise.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Responses to the post quickly advised the mother against speaking to the other parent in favor of keeping her daughter’s trust.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Miss Sammie flashed the scolding look Jean had known since childhood, though playfully now.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Chun also scolded attorneys for Amazon in July for withholding thousands of documents from the FTC and abusing a legal privilege to shield them from scrutiny.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Passport services could also be delayed, the organization warned.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Equity advocates warn that the expansion of microschools, especially those reliant on tuition or vouchers, could drain resources and diversity students from neighborhood public schools.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The outlet said many criticized his behavior, labeling it racist, sexist, or out of touch.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Locally, the response was more complicated, with police frequently criticized for their use of force and tear gas.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The cubs were taught essential survival skills—including hunting and avoiding humans—to get ready to be reintroduced to the wild.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • City officials argued that yoga — even when taught for free or by donation — is a commercial activity and not protected by the First Amendment.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But historically, voters have blamed the party in power for a government shutdown.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Dohn Community High School closed in early 2025, and school officials have blamed Davenport for its abrupt collapse.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some of the boys’ family members chided Salgado for running from the crash scene and not stopping to help the boys after the crash.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In Munich earlier this year, Vice-President J. D. Vance alarmed many German Jews by meeting with the leader of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) and chiding European leaders for shunning the group.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Admonish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admonish. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

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