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

After Pearl’s voice memo played, both Trixie and Katya jumped in to support Pearl and admonish people who attack queens for decisions made on the show. —Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 21 Aug. 2025

As Tetyana weeps, the soldier gently admonishes her fuss. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2025

When Souleymane rehearses his account, in an early scene, Barry admonishes him for blandly reciting (and often bungling) the false facts he’s been given. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 6 Aug. 2025

Minaj responded by admonishing him and mentioning his past arrest for domestic violence against his mother. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!