as in talking-to
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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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scolding
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Avoiding public scolding, vague directions, or emotional reactions can make discipline more effective and respectful.
—
Leslie Garisto Pfaff,
Parents,
20 Dec. 2025
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Let your management company put up the scolding sign on your behalf!
—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scolding
Noun
The scolding came after Heuermann’s lawyer, Michael Brown, introduced a new stack of motions further challenging evidence in the infamous murder case on Monday evening, the Post reported.
—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Avoiding public scolding, vague directions, or emotional reactions can make discipline more effective and respectful.
—
Leslie Garisto Pfaff,
Parents,
20 Dec. 2025
Verb
Security guard Pascal Duvier, most recently infamous for allegedly scolding 11-year-old Ada Law at a hotel in São Paulo, is clearing the air.
—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Let your management company put up the scolding sign on your behalf!
—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scolding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scolding
Noun
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This is a really good writer-talking-to-another-writer question.
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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.
Verb
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Her Volumnia bellows at her meek daughter-in-law, Virgilia (Justine Faith) as though reprimanding an incompetent private.
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Earlier this week, Scott Agness claimed his press credentials were revoked by the team after his reporting led to the WNBA reprimanding the Fever for not being transparent about Clark’s health status during a game on May 20.
Noun
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According to historian, author and lecturer Roger Smith, Florida's absence from most Revolutionary War lessons stems from one key fact.
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Ida Fisher Junior High in Miami Beach held a mock Ford-Carter presidential election with a ballot box in its recess courtyard to teach its students civics lessons.
Verb
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College professors spend less time lecturing than a typical sportswriter creating fake controversies to criticize.
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If and until that day comes, there will be fingerpointing, lecturing and posturing, all of which has flowed freely in the wake of the Sorsby decision.
Noun
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In January 2025, a federal judge ruled that portion of the ordinance overburdens free speech rights by prohibiting anyone from providing any lecture in any San Diego public park or beach.
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And now today, Indiana head coach Stephanie White opens up her presser with a lecture on how America is racist and homophobic.
Verb
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Acknowledging and even criticizing our mistakes of the past doesn’t cheapen one’s love for the United States.
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The movie continues its tradition of addressing social issues, this time focusing on human equality and colonial looting, with pointed dialogue criticizing the British Empire.
Noun
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Wildfires have also scorched thousands of acres in Arizona, which led Phoenix to ban all fireworks on city property including parks and within 1 mile of nature preserves, with punishments including $2,500 fines.
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The parliament in England created laws against Quakers, forbidding them to worship freely, charging them with punishments for refusing to take oaths or refusing to remove their hats.
Verb
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It should be noted that this is not about blaming medication or the people who rely on it.
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The victim's mother also addressed the jury, blaming Rullan for her son's depression and anxiety and describing the emotional toll the abuse had taken on their family.
Cite this Entry
“Scolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scolding. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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