as in reprimanding
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
he scolded the kids for not cleaning up the mess they had made in the kitchen
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in talking-to
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scolding
Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025
After the meeting, Mr. Schumer pulled him aside for a rare scolding.
—Annie Karni, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scolding
Verb
From her sharp scolding of a student nurse to her own tears of self-recrimination, Floria is a full-blooded and beautifully etched character and, yes, a heroine.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025
After the meeting, Mr. Schumer pulled him aside for a rare scolding.
—Annie Karni, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
Shipp is tasked with scolding her father and delivering leaden exposition.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scolding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scolding
Noun
-
Never underestimate the combined powers of a Liv Benson talking-to and a New York slice.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
16 Jan. 2025
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Roberts pulled the reliever in, gave him what seemed like a fatherly talking-to, and – after Ramirez got out of the inning with the very next pitch – noted that sometimes the best course is not to yell and scream at a player.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Orange County Register,
30 May 2024
Verb
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This is the last organization that should be lecturing anyone about respecting the game.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
6 Sep. 2025
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Faculty across the state rebuked it as an infringement on academic freedom and warned of a mass chilling effect on free speech and lecturing on divisive topics.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Newsweek's Health Care Editor Alexis Kayser led many of the panel discussions and was joined by Newsweek's Global Head of Research Duncan Ross on stage to share the key takeaways about the key lessons that audience members can implement in their own workplaces.—
Lauren Giella,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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For employers everywhere, the lesson is that embedding pathways to opportunity in your culture is a strong shield against anything over the horizon.—
Ryan Stowers,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The reaction to Noack's viral Instagram post has been overwhelming, with many people criticizing her and her parenting style.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The dispute also drew in renowned rabblerouser Wack 100, who defended Adam22 while criticizing Styles’ stance.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Your voice, your choice to engage with respect rather than contempt, your decision to listen rather than lecture—these aren't small acts.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Earhart would execute a stunt flight, write a book about it, and then go on a lecture tour.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The pattern of blaming star players, whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Marcus Rashford, is looking foolish, and the side has plummeted in form.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Wenger was supposed to go on trial with Amiri, but just two days in, his lawyer, Nicole Lopes, insisted on a mistrial blaming her law firm and struggles with mental health.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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By embedding halfway houses into the federal transition process, Bush underscored his belief that effective reentry programs could reduce recidivism and strengthen families, turning correctional policy toward rehabilitation as much as punishment.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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On Friday, Major League Baseball downgraded Chapman’s punishment to an undisclosed find, which was also part of the original punishment.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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However, support wanes for admonishing recently deceased figures, especially among Republicans.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
16 Sep. 2025
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When thinking of productivity, admonishing people to work harder won’t cut it.—
Bill Conerly,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scolding. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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