chide

Definition of chidenext

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

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 chide Still, a Bar grievance committee informally chided Gaetz for his conduct as alleged in the Congressional investigation report, released in December 2024. Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026 Afterward, Newsom was criticized by Republicans and chided in the news media for not mentioning that the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office had forecast an $18-billion state budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1. George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026 Even though that is what happened, Vance chided the media for casting the incident that way. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for chide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chide
Verb
  • On Wednesday, reports circulated that Cioni, Nancy Guthrie’s son-in-law, had been identified as a possible suspect, but Sheriff Nanos quickly shot that down in a note that admonished members of the media who reported him as a person of interest without confirmation.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
  • In a series of emails to the Post last week shared with Semafor, Newsom Chief Deputy Director of Communications Tara Gallegos admonished the paper over various details of its articles.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As the Sentinel’s Cristobal Reyes has reported, federal judges based in Orlando have scolded prosecutors multiple times in recent weeks for detaining people who should have been set free, with one judge memorably comparing the current actions of ICE to those of a third-world country.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Young kids paddled near the shallow edges and bigger kids jumped off the cliffs above the swimming hole, causing the adults to gasp and scold.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Several told the Herald they were reprimanded for speaking to the media to promote the cultural events being hosted by the center.
    Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Following the meeting, Green was reprimanded by a captain for failing to review the video with the officers.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Public health experts also criticized the president for making unfounded claims about highly politicized health issues.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Trump has criticized the selection of Bad Bunny, and rock band Green Day, to perform at the Super Bowl.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Cuban officials have said existing US economic sanctions are largely to blame for the energy crisis, although critics also fault a lack of government investment in infrastructure.
    Michael Rios, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • But Connecticut Republicans — along with some Democrats — have for a long time blamed the lack of ample gas supply for the region’s high energy costs.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Chide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chide. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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