admonish
4 synonyms and 2 antonyms for admonish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To tell someone firmly that they have done wrong, or to warn or urge them seriously.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin "admonere," to warn or advise, from "ad-" (to) plus "monere" (to warn).
Full origin of admonish →Frequently asked questions
What does admonish mean?
To tell someone off firmly but not harshly, or to warn them seriously. It carries a note of guidance rather than pure punishment.
What is the difference between admonish and scold?
Scolding is angrier and more informal. Admonishing is measured and often carries advice — a warning meant to correct rather than simply to vent.