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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Cook County Judge Angela Petrone admonished Brand on Tuesday for delving into questions about Smith’s romantic history after being told not to do so the day before. —Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025

During a private conversation on Tuesday, Subramanian admonished Geragos, warning him against making further similar comments. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025

Reuters obtained a trial transcript that revealed the U.S. District Court judge, reportedly the first South Asian judge to serve in the Southern District of New York, admonished Geragos during a private conversation in Subramanian's robing room on May 6. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 9 May 2025

In an exchange with Haverford President Wendy Raymond, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., admonished Raymond for her university's lack of transparency in identifying the school's disciplinary actions. —Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 7 May 2025

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