ADMONISH Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

admonish

verb

ad-ˈmä-nish

Definition of admonish next

as in to reprimand

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault admonished her for littering

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to advise

to give advice to my physician is always admonishing me to eat more healthy foods

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples of admonish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In a blog post Friday, a notable pharmaceutical industry expert and commentator, Derek Lowe, admonished the approval. —

Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 21 June 2024 The judge at one point admonished Timberlake’s lawyer, Edward Burke, for previous comments made outside of court to the media. —

Sarah Boxer and Kristina Sgueglia, CNN, 2 Aug. 2024 While the hearing was short and largely procedural, the judge did take a moment to admonish Timberlake’s lawyer, Edward Burke, over comments the attorney made publicly last week in regard to the charges against his client. —

Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2024 With such claims widespread on the right, Republican leaders admonished fellow conservatives, including in Congress, on Tuesday for using such lines of attack on Harris. —

Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for admonish

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'admonish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.