riot act

riot act

noun

Definition of RIOT ACT

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>

Synonyms commination, condemnation, denunciation, excoriation, objurgation, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reproof, riot act, stricture

Related Words admonishment, admonition, castigation, chastisement, damnation, punishment, remonstrance; business, devil, dressing-down, lash, lecture, lesson, rap, scolding, talking-to, tongue-lashing; belittlement, criticism, deprecation, depreciation, disparagement, pan

Near Antonyms acclamation, honor, tribute; encomium, eulogy, panegyric, plaudit(s), praise; approval, blessing, sanction

Antonyms citation, commendation, endorsement (also indorsement)