revile

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb revile differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of revile are berate, rail, scold, upbraid, and vituperate. While all these words mean "to reproach angrily and abusively," revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred.

an alleged killer reviled in the press

When is berate a more appropriate choice than revile?

The synonyms berate and revile are sometimes interchangeable, but berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding.

berated continually by an overbearing boss

In what contexts can rail take the place of revile?

The words rail and revile can be used in similar contexts, but rail (at or against) stresses an unrestrained berating.

railed loudly at their insolence

When could scold be used to replace revile?

In some situations, the words scold and revile are roughly equivalent. However, scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly.

angrily scolding the children

When might upbraid be a better fit than revile?

The words upbraid and revile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, upbraid implies censuring on definite and usually justifiable grounds.

upbraided her assistants for poor research

When would vituperate be a good substitute for revile?

While the synonyms vituperate and revile are close in meaning, vituperate suggests a violent reviling.

was vituperated for betraying his friends

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of revile Robert Irsay was reviled in Baltimore following the move. Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 The results were as delightfully singular as they were critically reviled. Calum Marsh, New York Times, 21 May 2025 The statue was widely reviled by locals, who saw its abstract look as ugly and an insult to the first lady. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2025 Those cases, though reviled at the time by liberals, will be quite useful to those seeking to limit presidential power today. George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for revile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for revile
Verb
  • Fans wouldn't hate adding an extra game to the football season.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • It was purposefully exploited because people will hate anything that’s different.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Political dynamics: DeSantis criticized the Florida House for delaying condo relief legislation, while House Speaker Daniel Perez defended the decision to address the issue during the regular session, highlighting the collaborative effort between the House and Senate.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
  • The feud between the two was reignited after Musk criticized Trump’s big legislative package of tax reductions and Medicaid cuts, which passed Congress last week.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Chemical residue can be a primary cause of stiff towels and products like fabric softener can often be to blame.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Palestinians are collectively blamed for not saying or doing things many have been saying and doing.
    Micah Danney, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Revile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/revile. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on revile

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