1
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
2
as in to advise
to give advice to
my physician is always admonishing me to eat more healthy foods
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 caller stopped a man from shoplifting and admonished him.
—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
At one point, Crabtree admonished them to stop talking over each other.
—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
27 May 2026
When news of Israel’s secret outposts in Iraq’s desert emerged, Iraqis admonished their leaders as traitors, and the boisterous militiamen affiliated with the government as impostors for allowing their land to be colonized by an enemy.
—
Nabil Salih,
Time,
26 May 2026
The other night Charles Barkley was admonishing people to stop wringing their hands about the Thunder being too physical with Wembanyama.
—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for admonish
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
At one point, Crabtree admonished them to stop talking over each other.
—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
27 May 2026
When news of Israel’s secret outposts in Iraq’s desert emerged, Iraqis admonished their leaders as traitors, and the boisterous militiamen affiliated with the government as impostors for allowing their land to be colonized by an enemy.
—
Nabil Salih,
Time,
26 May 2026
The other night Charles Barkley was admonishing people to stop wringing their hands about the Thunder being too physical with Wembanyama.
—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for admonish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admonish
Verb
-
One notable instance came in season 1 of America's Sweethearts, when Powell was reprimanded for asking where her ornament was on the locker room Christmas tree, as opposed to expressing gratitude for the decorations.
-
Later on during the trial, the judge reprimanded Pino and his supporters for hugging and physical embracing him while court was in session and the jury was present.
Verb
-
Its drone warfare teams are now advising NATO nations (and regularly beating them in war game simulations).
-
Authorities advised sensitive groups, including children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions, to limit prolonged outdoor activity as smoke levels increase.
Verb
-
This ancient poem isn’t interested in scolding women for their sexuality, but in the establishment of honor in the elite household.
-
Davis remembered once being scolded as a teenager by her mother after being caught speaking poorly of a classmate.
Verb
-
Seeking respite from the sizzling weather, people and companies across Europe are snapping up portable and fixed air conditioners as some countries warn the heat wave could intensify.
-
Opponents argue agencies could avoid some of the service cuts officials have warned about by pausing capital improvement projects, including extensions.
Verb
-
Cooper Freeman, Alaska director at the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, sharply criticized the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death.
-
Plenty of those who populate that category are championed instead of criticized.
Verb
-
The political landscape around data centers has since changed since Newsom’s veto in October, said Dan Schnur, a political science professor who teaches at UC Berkeley and USC.
-
Today, Buffalo Soldiers motorcycle groups nationwide focus on teaching Black military history, using their motorcycles to represent the cavalry.
Verb
-
Trump blames vandalism for the troubles with the reflecting pool renovation, announces people are being arrested.
-
The logic here is highly questionable — dying for your queen and dying by her hand are not equivalent sacrifices — but let’s blame Lorent’s lapse in judgment on the chaos of the moment.
Verb
-
He is chided for his opinions on race and for believing that women have less brainpower than men.
-
Hokit, who has a history of making tasteless comments after his fights, including the same Obama jab, drew mixed reaction from the UFC Freedom 250 crowd — and also from social media users, with some repeating the false claim in the comments on Hokit’s Instagram page and others chiding it.
Cite this Entry
“Admonish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admonish. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
