Revile
hardNegative tonerih-VYL
verb
Definition
To criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner
Memory hook
RE-VILE: to call someone VILE repeatedly — to criticize with abusive language.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Critics reviled the controversial decision.”
“He was reviled by the press for his comments.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Critics ______ the controversial decision.”
Show answer
reviled
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Revile is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "vilify" or "malign" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "praise".
Related GRE Words
denigrate
To criticize unfairly; to disparage or belittle
malign
To speak about someone in a harmful or untruthful way; evil in nature
vilify
To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
vituperate
To blame or insult someone in strong or violent language
castigate
To criticize or reprimand severely
decry
To publicly denounce or criticize
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