What does "upbraid" mean?
The act of reproaching; scorn; disdain.
Upbraid
/ˌʌpˈbɹeɪd/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of reproaching; scorn; disdain.
- Grammar: upbraid is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: reproach, abuse, admonish, bawl.
- Useful contrasts: applaud, commend, laud.
- Usage evidence: My mother-in-law never passes up an opportunity to upbraid me over my decision to go into business for myself.
How to use "upbraid"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "upbraid" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "upbraid" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "upbraid" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "upbraid" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "upbraid" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "reproach" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "upbraid", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of reproaching; scorn; disdain. obsolete, uncountable
"He was ymet; who with uncomely Shame Gan him salute, and foul upbraid with faulty Blame."
Verb
- 1 To criticize severely. transitive
"How much doth thy kindness upbraid my wickedness!"
- 2 express criticism towards wordnet
- 3 To charge with something wrong or disgraceful; to reproach archaic, transitive
"Yet do not upbraid us our distress."
- 4 To treat with contempt. obsolete
"There also was that mighty monarch laid, Low under all, yet above all in pride; That name of native fire did foul upbraid, And would, as Ammon's son, be magnify'd."
- 5 To object or urge as a matter of reproach obsolete
"Those that have been bred together, are more apt to envy their equals when raised: for it doth upbraid unto them their own fortunes, and pointeth at them."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To utter upbraidings. archaic, intransitive
- 7 To vomit; retch. Northern-England, UK, archaic, dialectal
Example
"My mother-in-law never passes up an opportunity to upbraid me over my decision to go into business for myself."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "upbraid"?
Common synonyms include: reproach, abuse, admonish, bawl, bawl out, berate.
How do you use "upbraid" in a sentence?
My mother-in-law never passes up an opportunity to upbraid me over my decision to go into business for myself.
How do you pronounce "upbraid"?
Pronounced /ˌʌpˈbɹeɪd/.
Etymology
From Middle English upbreyden, from Old English upbreġdan, equivalent to up- + braid. Compare English umbraid (“to upbraid”), Icelandic bregða (“to draw, brandish, braid, deviate from, change, break off, upbraid”). See up, and braid (transitive).