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 The film was a box office flop, grossing $167 million worldwide on a $120 million budget, and it was critically reviled, earning just a 9% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 Advertisement Some analysts have even suggested that Hun Sen has been enlisted by Thailand’s elites to finally topple the Shinawatra family, which remains reviled by royalists for its populist adulation amongst rural voters. Charlie Campbell, Time, 25 July 2025 In his native Germany, he was reviled by the Nazis as a degenerate artist. Celia Bell july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025 Despite its detractors, the building’s stark, intimidating building design is not universally reviled. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for revile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for revile
Verb
  • Xiaoxuemeng Baggy Barrel Pants The pants have a curved seam that gives the legs that barrel or lantern-like shape that people currently love (or hate).
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • There were people who loved it, and people who absolutely hated it — most especially [former New York Observer critic] Rex Reed.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Six separate receivers have caught touchdown passes already this season, a stark difference from a season ago when Green was criticized for being too reliant on a small number of playmakers.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Like Kennedy, Anderson was criticized over the eight-minute tape, which was meant for private consumption and created by consenting spouses.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Of course, nobody enjoys feeling blamed or accused, so the instinct to deflect may feel right.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The 2024 first-round pick blamed the weather, not nerves or feeling too amped up, on an inaccurate pass targeting DeMario Douglas to open the game.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Revile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/revile. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on revile

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