admonishing
Issuing stern warnings
Admonishing is warning or gently scolding someone, expressing disapproval while urging better behavior.
The tone is corrective rather than harsh—a parent's admonishing look, a teacher's admonishing words.
She gave him an admonishing glance when he reached for a second cookie.
The verb is admonish; the noun is admonishment or admonition.
Harsh verbal criticism
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- chidingVoicing mild disapproval
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- beratingHarsh verbal criticism
censure · upbraiding · chastisement · castigation · lecture · correction · telling-off · dressing-down
Giving advance warning
- forewarningNotice of future trouble
- alertingGiving urgent notice
- advisingGiving informed guidance
- urgingStrongly encouraging action
exhorting · enjoining · counseling · reminding · dissuading · deterring · discouraging · beseeching
Facial expression of displeasure
- tut-tuttingMaking disapproving sounds
- wagging fingerScolding hand motion
- stern lookHarsh disapproving expression
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
displeasure · disfavor · disapprobation · scowl · glare · shaking head · raised eyebrow · cold shoulder
Strict or ship's aft
- firmSolid or resolute
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
- severeExtremely harsh or strict
grave · solemn · serious · disapproving · reproachful · critical · accusatory · biting
scolding
Harsh verbal criticism
berating · censure · upbraiding · chastisement · castigation · lecture · correction · telling-off · dressing-down · tongue-lashing
cautioning
Giving advance warning
- forewarningNotice of future trouble
- alertingGiving urgent notice
- advisingGiving informed guidance
urging · exhorting · enjoining · counseling · reminding · dissuading · deterring · discouraging · beseeching · imploring
frowning
Facial expression of displeasure
- tut-tuttingMaking disapproving sounds
- wagging fingerScolding hand motion
- stern lookHarsh disapproving expression
disappointment · displeasure · disfavor · disapprobation · scowl · glare · shaking head · raised eyebrow · cold shoulder · silent treatment
stern
Strict or ship's aft
severe · grave · solemn · serious · disapproving · reproachful · critical · accusatory · biting · cutting
parental
Of mothers and fathers
- teacherOne who instructs others
- elderSenior figure of authority
- supervisorOne who directs workers
boss · mentor · clergy · judge · principal · coach · disciplinarian · patriarch · matriarch · superior
- reproachesblaming, scolding, rebuking, reprimanding, censuring
- teachingteaching, lesson plans, instructing, educating, courses
- beatingsbeating, thrashing, pummeling, pounding, battering
- preachingsermonizing, homiletics, altar call, scripture reading, closing prayer
admonishingpraising
Voicing admiration
commending · approving · complimenting · lauding · extolling
admonishingencouraging
Giving confidence or hope
supporting · reassuring · comforting · heartening · emboldening
admonish, admonition, admonished, admonishment, admonitory, admonishes, admonisher, admonishments