REVILE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

revile

verb

Definition of revile next

as in to hate

formal to speak about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way Many people reviled him for his callous behavior.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 result, in the hostage case, is an underappreciated diplomatic paradox: Thanks largely to Trump, a deal demanded by the Israeli left and reviled by the right is about to come into effect. —

Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025 While Winker might have been reviled by other fans around the league, the 31-year-old was embraced by Mets fans for his style of play and his personality on and off the field. —

Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2025 Many in the region are asking: could the Islamic theocracy in Iran, reviled by its people and a cancer upon the world, be next? —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 Vulture Cultures Ian Rose April 10, 2024 By turns worshipped and reviled, the bird frequently associated with death has appeared in art works for thousands of years. —

The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for revile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for revile

Verb

The memories Adria had drawn upon to make this part work—not just memories of a gesture or a look but of the moments when Lisa, when Lindy, just hated her.

— Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
While Hill may have been hating on McClung and the contest as a whole, many people enjoyed it.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025