Synonyms of chide

chide

verb

ˈchīd 

as in to admonish

to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault

my wife chided me for forgetting to offer our guests some refreshments

Synonyms & Similar Words

• admonish
• scold
• reprimand
• criticize
• blame
• rebuke
• fault
• reprove
• reproach
• berate
• get after
• get on
• mock
• upbraid
• condemn
• tick off
• castigate
• lambaste
• harangue
• excoriate
• disparage
• assail
• belittle
• rail (at or against)
• deride
• burn one's ears
• crucify
• denounce
• minimize
• censure
• flay
• lecture
• reprehend
• knock
• attack
• bad-mouth
• jaw
• dress down
• ridicule
• scoff
• chew out
• lash
• slam
• deprecate
• keelhaul
• pan
• scorn
• rate
• abuse
• score
• dis
• blast
• put down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb chide contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chide are admonish, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

When might admonish be a better fit than chide?

Although the words admonish and chide have much in common, admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

When can rebuke be used instead of chide?

While the synonyms rebuke and chide are close in meaning, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

In what contexts can reprimand take the place of chide?

While in some cases nearly identical to chide, reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

When could reprove be used to replace chide?

The meanings of reprove and chide largely overlap; however, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of chide

Salazar, a fierce interrogator, chided him about leaving Rodríguez in charge. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

The back-and-forth prompted Steiner to send a letter denying Hawley’s claims and chiding him for a lack of civility. — Jack Harvel july 2, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Trump has previously expressed chided his own appointees for some of their rulings. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 June 2026

Iyanla Vanzant, the program’s host, chided Holmes for squandering much of her fortune, buying properties and paying allowances to hangers-on. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026