chiding

ADJECTIVE

censorious

Synonyms

WEAK

accusatory captious carping caviling cavillous complaining condemnatory condemning critical culpatory denouncing disapproving disparaging fault-finding hypercritical overcritical reprehending reproaching severe

Antonyms

WEAK

complimentary encouraging flattering laudatory praising

NOUN

admonishment

Synonyms

STRONG

admonition reprimand reproach reproof scolding

WEAK

dressing down talking-to

Antonyms

STRONG

praise

NOUN

blame

Synonyms

STRONGEST

criticism

STRONG

accusation animadversion arraignment attack attribution castigation censure charge complaint denunciation depreciation diatribe disapprobation disapproval disfavor disparagement expostulation impeachment implication imputation incrimination inculpation indictment invective objurgation obloquy opposition rebuke recrimination remonstrance reprehension reprimand reproach reprobation reproof repudiation slur tirade

WEAK

exprobation

Antonyms

STRONG

acquittal approval commendation compliment endorsement exculpation exoneration flattery harmony health peace praise ratification recommendation retreat sanction

WEAK

applause exaltation thanks

NOUN

dressing-down

Synonyms

WEAK

bawling-out castigation lambasting reprimand reproach tongue-lashing upbraiding

NOUN

lecture

Synonyms

STRONGEST

sermon

STRONG

castigation censure going-over harangue moralism preaching preachment rebuke reprimand reproof scolding

WEAK

dressing-down talking-to telling-off

Antonyms

STRONG

compliment praise

NOUN

lesson

Synonyms

STRONGEST

message warning

STRONG

admonition censure deterrent exemplar model moral notice precept punishment rebuke reprimand reproof scolding

WEAK

helpful word noble action

Antonyms

STRONG

compliment encouragement praise reward

NOUN

rap

Synonyms

STRONG

admonishment admonition censure flak knock pan punishment rebuke reprimand reproach reproof responsibility sentence swipe

Antonyms

STRONG

approval compliment encouragement praise reward

WEAK

flattery

NOUN

rebuke

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admonition censure condemnation disapproval punishment rebuff reproach snub

STRONG

admonishment affliction berating blame castigation comeuppance correction earful expostulation going-over lecture lesson objurgation ostracism put down rap rating refusal remonstrance reprehension reproof reproval repulse row scolding tongue-lashing upbraiding

WEAK

bawling-out chewing-out dressing-down hard time kick in the teeth slap in the face talking-to telling-off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approval encouragement endorsement exoneration praise sanction

STRONG

commendation flattery

WEAK

compliment

NOUN

reprehension

Synonyms

STRONG

accusation animadversion arraignment attack attribution castigation censure charge complaint condemnation criticism denunciation depreciation diatribe disapprobation disapproval disfavor disparagement expostulation impeachment implication imputation incrimination inculpation indictment invective objurgation obloquy opposition rebuke recrimination remonstrance reprimand reproach reprobation reproof repudiation slur tirade

WEAK

exprobation

Antonyms

STRONG

absolution acquittal approval commendation compliment endorsement exculpation exoneration flattery freeing harmony health peace praise ratification recommendation retreat sanction

NOUN

reprimand

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admonition censure rebuke

STRONG

admonishment blame castigation grooming lecture ragging rap reprehension reproof scolding tongue-lashing

WEAK

bawling-out calling down dressing-down hard time piece of one's mind slap on wrist talking-to telling-off what for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

compliment praise

STRONG

commendation

WEAK

forgiveness reward

NOUN

reproach

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disgrace

STRONG

abuse admonishment admonition blame blemish censure condemnation contempt disapproval discredit disrepute ignominy indignity obloquy odium opprobrium rap rebuke reprehension reprimand reproof scorn shame slight slur stain stigma

Antonyms

STRONG

approval commendation compliment endorsement esteem exoneration flattery honor praise pride regard respect sanction

NOUN

reprobation

Synonyms

STRONG

accusation animadversion arraignment attack attribution castigation censure charge complaint condemnation criticism denunciation depreciation diatribe disapprobation disapproval disfavor disparagement expostulation impeachment implication imputation incrimination inculpation indictment invective objurgation obloquy opposition rebuke recrimination remonstrance reprehension reprimand reproach reproof repudiation slur tirade

WEAK

exprobation

Antonyms

STRONG

absolution acquittal approval commendation compliment endorsement exculpation exoneration flattery freeing harmony health peace praise ratification recommendation retreat sanction

NOUN

reproof

Synonyms

STRONG

admonition blame rebuke reprimand reproach

Antonyms

STRONG

praise

NOUN

scolding

Synonyms

STRONG

berating rating rebuke reprehension reprimand

WEAK

chewing-out talking-to

Antonyms

STRONG

praise

WEAK

commendation compliment

NOUN

tongue-lashing

Synonyms

STRONG

berating castigation diatribe objurgation scolding upbraiding

WEAK

bawling-out dressing-down talking-to

Antonyms

STRONG

praise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We still play cards and games together while chiding each other.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Gigi now starts each video chiding commentators who accuse her of being AI.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

Earlier that month, Ely had written to Perkins again, affectionately chiding her for missing a social gathering and exclaiming, “I feel lost in the new Immigration set-up!”

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2025

A popular thread on the r/drones subreddit included dozens of comments chiding the photographer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2025

One girl even dropped a beautiful knit scarf on the floor, but her mother didn't chide her like my mother was chiding me.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals

chiding

Example Sentences

Related Words