as in condemnations
an often public or formal expression of disapproval
at a specially called meeting, he read the riot act to his staff for their poor handling of the crisis
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riot acts
Noun
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Think of Woodstock-era sung-and-spoken condemnations of the Vietnam War, the 1980s megaconcerts and charity singles inspired by famine in Ethiopia and apartheid in South Africa, and the Rock Against Bush compilations that challenged America’s invasion of Iraq.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026 -
This time, condemnations flowed from across the spectrum — along with demands for an apology that had not come by late afternoon.—
Bill Barrow,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The former directors also criticized Saintremy’s reprimands from the city, stating a key function of her role is to promote events at the cultural center and that means speaking with media.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Jan. 2026
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When managers are running on empty, small frustrations turn into public reprimands, and reasonable requests start to feel personal.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Riot acts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riot%20acts. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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