as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
I was called down by my supervisor for not catching the accounting error sooner
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Recent Examples of call down
They are insulated with feathers from ducks or geese called down.
—
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
And Josh still viscerally remembers a moment in grade school when he was called down to the office and accused of punching another student, mistaken for the other Josh Jones in his school.
—Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
But with this team still facing question marks, the call down to Providence could come a little quicker than in past years.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Stokes apparently called down to Bell, who answered.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Tax cuts and spending cuts have to go hand in hand, otherwise the cycle starts all over again as deficit spending goes up and tax hikes come calling down the road to plug the hole.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
Still, the idea that someone not in the league can get called down from the stands to play in a game on a moment’s notice is one of hockey’s most unique traditions.
—Stephen Whyno, Twin Cities, 15 July 2025
Miles, the Manual student, noted how when she and her fellow bus riders were called down to the office to receive information on the return of transportation, almost all of them were Black.
—Grace Fridy, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Upper apartments, though, were built without kitchens, since their owners might as well call down for room service.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 19 May 2025
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
And Josh still viscerally remembers a moment in grade school when he was called down to the office and accused of punching another student, mistaken for the other Josh Jones in his school.
—Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
But with this team still facing question marks, the call down to Providence could come a little quicker than in past years.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Stokes apparently called down to Bell, who answered.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Tax cuts and spending cuts have to go hand in hand, otherwise the cycle starts all over again as deficit spending goes up and tax hikes come calling down the road to plug the hole.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
Still, the idea that someone not in the league can get called down from the stands to play in a game on a moment’s notice is one of hockey’s most unique traditions.
—Stephen Whyno, Twin Cities, 15 July 2025
Miles, the Manual student, noted how when she and her fellow bus riders were called down to the office to receive information on the return of transportation, almost all of them were Black.
—Grace Fridy, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Upper apartments, though, were built without kitchens, since their owners might as well call down for room service.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 19 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call down
Verb
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Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Grand International (MGI), was seen scolding Fatima Bosch, a 25-year-old contestant from Mexico, ahead of the 74th Miss Universe competition being held in Bangkok later this month.—
Anabella González,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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No doubt many grandmothers will want to scold us, but the truth is, soap isn't going to destroy your cast iron pans.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The same government that lectures Beijing about state capitalism and nonmarket behaviors now practices it at home.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
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But Andres Bernal, a political analyst who lectures at the City University of New York, thinks many young voters look at Cuomo's history of controversy and are reminded of the Democratic Party establishment that has left them disillusioned.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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What To Know On November 4, Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, during a sashing ceremony at a hotel in Bangkok.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
-
The board voted unanimously to reprimand Bowden.—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Chipotle and Cava both reported weaker sales this fall, blaming a slowdown among younger diners who are packing lunches instead.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The hurricane has been blamed for 77 deaths, according to the Pan American Health Organization.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
House Democrats swiftly criticized the Senate.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
10 Nov. 2025
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Bibelheimer also had good reason to criticize the film, as Ferrell’s portrayal of her was wildly at odds with the truth.—
Sarah Weinman,
Rolling Stone,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The cozy piece marked an ideal autumnal staple, with a multifaceted design for dressing up or dressing down, depending on the occasion.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
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Even dressed down in a minimalist white button-down blouse, vintage Levi’s and pearl earrings, Scherzinger exudes the kind of glamour visible from outer space.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Call down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call%20down. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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