as in admonishing
to criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a fault
my wife chided me for forgetting to offer our guests some refreshments
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Recent Examples of chiding
The two have long been political archenemies going back to Trump’s first term, with Pritzker chiding Trump over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic while the president’s supporters have accused the Democratic governor of taking too strict of measures with COVID mitigations.
—
Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
This half of the set ends with Waters chiding the security at the venue, telling them to sit down and enjoy the show when the band returns.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2025
And now, with escalating talk of expanding military action to include regime change in Caracas, Americans are rightly concerned, with Republicans now chiding Trump for ignoring kitchen-table issues at home in favor of chasing overseas victories.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 2025
Despite Patrick chiding her for betraying the cause, Ellen doesn’t hesitate to send Edward a letter of warning.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
This half of the set ends with Waters chiding the security at the venue, telling them to sit down and enjoy the show when the band returns.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2025
And now, with escalating talk of expanding military action to include regime change in Caracas, Americans are rightly concerned, with Republicans now chiding Trump for ignoring kitchen-table issues at home in favor of chasing overseas victories.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 2025
Despite Patrick chiding her for betraying the cause, Ellen doesn’t hesitate to send Edward a letter of warning.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chiding
Verb
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Parliament Vice President Nicolae Ștefănuță quickly intervened, admonishing the lawmaker for his language and warning of consequences.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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The outlet reported that the mother of Jamieson’s child spoke out in court, admonishing him for the violent attack on their daughter last January.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Censures, a means of formally reprimanding a lawmaker without going so far as to expel them, have historically been rare; in the 200 years after Congress first convened, only 22 House members were censured.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
21 Nov. 2025
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When conversation veers into controversial territory, Gott suggests redirecting rather than reprimanding.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Sanders, by now a perennial candidate, perfected his craggy, scolding, mitten-waving style.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2026
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But more recently, groups of citizens have grown tired of scolding and have begun reaching for the birch rod.—
Nick Bowlin,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Most Americans according to the latest polls disapprove of Trump and hope for a return to a president who governs with a respect for the norms presidents of both parties have observed when criticizing those who differed with them.—
Bob Kustra,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Jan. 2026
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Kelly defended the protest during a news conference Tuesday, criticizing the church for its association with a pastor who works for ICE.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Casey Higgins, however, said Price is ultimately responsible for disclosing conflicts of interest and argued blaming his subordinates was not a defense to corruption charges.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
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However, your friends are blaming you for asking valid questions of someone who is mishandling funds and directly impacting your quality of life.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chiding. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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