Synonyms

revile

American

[ri-vahyl] / rɪˈvaɪl /

verb (used with object)

reviled, reviling

to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language; address or speak of abusively.

Synonyms:

disparage, berate, vituperate, vilify, abuse

verb (used without object)

reviled, reviling

to speak abusively.

revile British

/ rɪˈvaɪl /

verb

to use abusive or scornful language against (someone or something)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

revilement noun
reviler noun
revilingly adverb
unreviling adjective

Etymology

Origin of revile

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English revilen, from Middle French reviler; re-, vile

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.

Her life of looking closely at those we would rather revile or ignore has earned her attention in return.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2023

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely,

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2023

“I’ve gone from being just a journalist to becoming some sort of symbol for people who either love me and my work or revile me and my work,” she said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2021

Farmers and gardeners may revile the monkeys for their voracious appetites, but many tourists are drawn to their heart-shaped faces and soulful eyes.

From New York Times • Mar. 3, 2020

Don’t we have a cheerful, simple morality here in Western Civilization: expect perfection, and revile the missed mark!

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023