What coule be the difference between revile, malign, harshly criticize?
Eden was reviled by the Labour party for his policy of non-intervention in the Spanish Civil War.Simon Ball THE GUARDSMEN (2004)

If I replace 'reviled' with 'maligned' or 'harshly criticized' would you notice some difference in the above sentence in the meaning or register? Or can these words be synonyms in this case?

Question

What coule be the difference between revile, malign, harshly criticize?
Eden was reviled by the Labour party for his policy of non-intervention in the Spanish Civil War.Simon Ball THE GUARDSMEN (2004)

If I replace 'reviled' with 'maligned' or 'harshly criticized' would you notice some difference in the above sentence in the meaning or register? Or can these words be synonyms in this case?

Answer

They are similar but 'reviled' is a stronger word. It's more synonymous with 'verbally abused.' One who is reviled is treated with contempt and disgust.