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

On Wednesday, reports circulated that Cioni, Nancy Guthrie’s son-in-law, had been identified as a possible suspect, but Sheriff Nanos quickly shot that down in a note that admonished members of the media who reported him as a person of interest without confirmation. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026

In a series of emails to the Post last week shared with Semafor, Newsom Chief Deputy Director of Communications Tara Gallegos admonished the paper over various details of its articles. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Feb. 2026

The administration's mischaracterizations have also spilled over to courtrooms, where federal judges in dozens of cases have admonished federal officials for providing false, contradictory or unreliable statements in court. —Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 31 Jan. 2026

Garnett had previously admonished Bondi and told the Justice Department to refrain from commenting publicly on the case. —Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026

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