revile

verb

re·​vile ri-ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce revile (audio)
reviled; reviling

transitive verb

: to subject to verbal abuse : vituperate

intransitive verb

: to use abusive language : rail
revilement noun
reviler noun
Choose the Right Synonym for revile

scold, upbraid, berate, rail, revile, vituperate mean to reproach angrily and abusively.

scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly.

angrily scolding the children

upbraid implies censuring on definite and usually justifiable grounds.

upbraided her assistants for poor research

berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding.

berated continually by an overbearing boss

rail (at or against) stresses an unrestrained berating.

railed loudly at their insolence

revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred.

an alleged killer reviled in the press

vituperate suggests a violent reviling.

was vituperated for betraying his friends

Examples of revile in a Sentence

Many people reviled him for his callous behavior.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Though mainstream parties often revile these policies and rhetoric, they have been nudged toward them by the electoral threat looming on their rightward flank. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 13 Oct. 2024 The city was also home to Father Charles Coughlin, a Catholic priest who reviled Jews and spread antisemitic rhetoric during his radio show – which at its height was heard by perhaps 40 million people. Robert Gudmestad, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024 To say that Wallis was reviled would be an understatement. Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024 One more paragraph: The first response of many to the destruction of New Orleans and other areas was to revile George Bush — and conservatism and Republicans and much else. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for revile 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French reviler to despise, from re- + vil vile

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of revile was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near revile

Cite this Entry

“Revile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revile. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

revile

verb
re·​vile ri-ˈvī(ə)l How to pronounce revile (audio)
reviled; reviling
: to speak to or about in an insulting way
revilement noun
reviler noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!