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 Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Carrie Underwood's decision to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony has been both praised and reviled by fans and fellow celebrities. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 After a bruising fight, exhaustive appeals and a future that looked dim, a presence both reviled and beloved returned this week. Megan Poinski, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 What to know Yanukovich is reviled by many in Ukraine not just for his graft but his rejection of closer ties with the EU in favor of Kyiv's relationship with Moscow which sparked Euromaidan protests in 2014. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for revile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for revile
Verb
  • The new 2025 Wells Fargo Money Study, based on surveys of nearly 4,000 Americans, tabulated several pieces of shopworn advice that consumers have grown to hate.
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
  • People hated Japanese-Americans after the war, Scott Kido said between tears.
    Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Edelman sharply criticized that decision in an interview that aired last week on the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
  • But others have criticized DOGE’s efforts to cut staffing and costs at the FAA despite what everyone agrees is a shortage of air traffic controllers.
    Chris Isidore, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Democratic establishment’s focus on blaming Trump for those price spikes represents a stark break from its activists, who have launched a protest movement arguing that Trump is a budding dictator with no regard for the Constitution.
    Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Recently, however, doctors have started reporting more cases of iodine-deficient hypothyroidism—and our salt preferences may be at least partially to blame.
    Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Revile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/revile. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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