List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 5

SYNONYMS: admonish, reprove, rebuke, reprimand, reproach.
These verbs refer to adverse criticism intended as a corrective or caution.

Admonish implies the giving of advice or a warning so that a fault can be rectified or a danger avoided: We admonished his lack of honesty.
Reprove usually suggests gentle criticism and constructive intent: With a quick look the teacher reproved the child for whispering in class.
Rebuke and reprimand both refer to sharp, often angry criticism; of the two reprimand more frequently implies formal or official censure: They rarely rebuke other agencies in public.
Reproach usually refers to regretful or unhappy criticism arising from a sense of disappointment: Even if I did wrong you should not have reproached me in public.