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

Rue in turn chides Lexi for not keeping in touch with Fezco (Angus Cloud), who is revealed to still be alive but serving a 30-year prison sentence. —Selome Hailu, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026

The meeting opened with a public comment period where several residents and activists chided Snelling and the Police Department and accused them of aiding and defending federal immigration authorities during the monthslong enforcement effort. —Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

That’s what economists said about tariffs, whose effects on prices were always just about to hit, the conservative think tanker Oren Cass chided in an X thread Monday as Liberation Day’s anniversary approaches. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 31 Mar. 2026

My son chided me for not buying a lottery ticket on the way home. —Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026