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
• tick off
• castigate
• excoriate
• harangue
• censure
• crucify
• lambaste
• denounce
• disparage
• assail
• rail (at or against)
• minimize
• lecture
• burn one's ears
• reprehend
• flay
• belittle
• attack
• knock
• chew out
• jaw
• deride
• dress down
• bad-mouth
• ridicule
• lash
• deprecate
• keelhaul
• scoff
• slam
• pan
• rate
• abuse
• scorn
• score
• blast
• dis
• put down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Davis was much more somber, and his attorney, Wayne Higgins, is heard frequently admonishing his client for volunteering unnecessary information. — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Some speakers admonished the county commission for shooting down the moratorium proposal. — Gabriel Brito, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 26 Aug. 2026

Barnett, meanwhile, began reporting safety violations to Boeing in 2013, but was admonished for putting his concerns in writing. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

So if ever you are admonished for omitting the fish in a Caesar, point your mistaken scold to Tijuana. — Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026

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