Here are some synonyms of the word "admonished" along with explanations of how they are used:
1. Reprimanded
"Reprimanded" is a strong synonym for "admonished." It means to scold or rebuke someone formally for a fault or misbehavior. For example, "The student was reprimanded by the teacher for cheating on the exam." When you reprimand someone, there is a sense of official or serious disapproval. It is often used in institutional or hierarchical settings, such as in schools, workplaces, or the military. In comparison to "admonished," "reprimanded" may carry a harsher tone and implies a more severe form of correction.
2. Rebuked
"Rebuked" also means to express sharp disapproval or criticism. For example, "The politician was rebuked by the public for his unethical behavior." This word emphasizes the act of speaking out against someone's actions in a forceful way. It can imply a moral or ethical condemnation. Like "admonished," it aims to correct or draw attention to something wrong, but "rebuke" is often more intense and can involve a public or vocal expression of disapproval.
3. Chided
"Chided" is a milder form of admonishment. It means to scold gently or express mild disapproval. For example, "She chided her friend for being late." The tone of "chided" is less severe than "reprimanded" or "rebuked." It often implies a personal or familiar relationship between the people involved and is used when the correction is more in the nature of a friendly reminder or a light scolding.
4. Warned
"Warned" is similar to "admonished" in that it alerts someone to a potential problem or the consequences of their actions. For example, "The hiker was warned about the dangerous path ahead." However, "warned" may focus more on the aspect of cautioning about a future danger or negative outcome, rather than criticizing past behavior. While "admonished" can also involve a warning, it often has an additional element of reproach for something that has already been done.
5. Cautioned
"Cautioned" means to give a warning or advice about a possible danger or risk. For example, "The doctor cautioned the patient about the side effects of the medication." It is similar to "warned" and is used to prevent someone from making a mistake or getting into trouble. In the context of admonishment, "cautioned" can imply a more preventive and less critical approach compared to other stronger synonyms like "reprimanded." It is more about guiding someone to avoid a problem rather than scolding them for a misdeed.