Synonym Chooser

How does the verb admonish contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of admonish are chide, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, and reprove. While all these words mean "to criticize adversely," admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

Where would rebuke be a reasonable alternative to admonish?

The words rebuke and admonish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

When is it sensible to use reprimand instead of admonish?

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

reprimanded by the ethics committee

How are the words reproach and chide related as synonyms of admonish?

Both reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness
chided by their mother for untidiness

When is reprove a more appropriate choice than admonish?

The words reprove and admonish can be used in similar contexts, but reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

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 admonish At public meetings for approving such rate hikes, unhappy ratepayers regularly rail against the company and admonish utility regulators. Calmatters, Mercury News, 24 June 2025 In very unhinged behavior, Lucy tracks Sophie down (after her boss expressly tells her the client doesn't want any contact whatsoever), and unsurprisingly, Sophie admonishes her for invading her privacy in an attempt to absolve her feelings of guilt. Aisha Harris, NPR, 21 June 2025 Judge Arun Subramanian angrily admonished the defense team and demanded Combs stop making faces at the jury, or else he would be kicked out of court. Nbc News, NBC news, 5 June 2025 Following the jury exiting the court for a 15-minute break, Judge Arun Subramanian had to admonish Agnifilo for suggesting that the jury would speculate as to why federal prosecutors made certain charging decisions against Combs during his closing salvo. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for admonish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for admonish
Verb
  • The responding officer later reprimanded the woman for entering the vehicle to help the dog.
    Sydney Sasser July 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025
  • Some judges are known to reprimand attorneys who miss deadlines and even sanction them.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Redmond advises measuring the length, width, and height of your space, then determining where your sofa will be situated.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
  • Millions of people across the United States have been advised to limit outdoors activity amid concerns over high air pollution levels.
    Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Whether this comes off as a joke or as an invitation for scolding (spoken or unspoken, loving or otherwise) depends entirely on the other Muslims in the room.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
  • But there was a time Emily Deschanel, who played the meticulous forensic anthropologist through 12 seasons of Bones, got scolded for being just that — and the memory still makes the star emotional.
    EW.com, EW.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • When more than a month’s worth of rain fell in 90 minutes just west of the United Center late Tuesday night, federal weather forecasters warned of possible flash flooding, triggering a chain of events that alerted some Chicago residents about potential danger.
    William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • The National Weather Service discussion on Monday morning warned that extreme heat conditions would continue in the region as a high-pressure center lingers.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Many airlines have long relied on aging computer systems, and the aviation industry has been criticized for failing to modernize swiftly.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 22 July 2025
  • Even Bennington's family, namely mother Susan Eubanks and son Jaime Bennington, criticized the lineup change.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • In boardrooms and locker rooms alike, we’re taught to chase the next title, the next win, the next peak.
    Don Yaeger, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Stirling, pulling from his Boy Scout training, blew his whistle, one of the six essential items scouts are always taught to carry.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Trump doubled down on his past criticism and blamed Biden for Powell remaining in the role.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • While most of us could only dream of being so effortlessly chic, Parisians have it down pat—so who could blame us for wanting to borrow some of their go-to French fashion styles?
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The state also chided the hospital for failing to maintain its climate control and hot water system, important aspects of keeping the facility safe and germ-free.
    Scott Schwebke, Oc Register, 12 July 2025
  • For decades, multiple U.S. presidents chided our European allies for falling short of their defense spending targets, thereby forcing Americans to foot the bill for the collective defense of the West.
    Michelle Flowers, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Admonish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/admonish. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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