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

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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

Examples 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 Poetry is the least understood and most reviled of these modes of conveyance because it is easily counterfeited. —

Philip Martin, arkansasonline.com, 14 Sep. 2024 The film did good business, sure, but it was critically reviled and not even in a way that makes for a good Letterboxd reclamation project 20-plus years later. —

Tres Dean, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2024 Israel, the United States and its allies viewed him as a dangerous terrorist, widely reviled even before the Oct. 7 attacks in which 1,200 people died and around 250 were taken hostage. —

Alexander Smith, NBC News, 18 Oct. 2024 Nasrallah inspired strong feelings in the Lebanese – revered and reviled in equal measure. —

Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for revile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for revile

Verb

Also, Ross helped spread the rumor, so that causes a rift between him and Rachel, who are currently on a break from hating each other.

Brian Boone, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
However, what is the one thing that investors hate?

David T. Nudelman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024