1
as in scolding
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
a tyrannical father who used the dinner hour to baste his children for their many perceived shortcomings
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in licking
to strike repeatedly
basted the thief with a stick while he cried out for help
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of basting
Nestle the pork directly on the veggie bed and roast for up to 2 hours more, basting the veggies and pork every 20 minutes, until the internal temperature of the pork reads 165 degrees and the veggies are tender and golden.
—
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025
Silicone Craft Series Basting Brush Grillmasters and bakers swear by this silicone basting brush that’s designed with an ergonomic handle and made from heat-resistant, conical bristles.
—Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025
Continue roasting another 2 to 2 1/2 hours, basting with the pan juices every 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 26 Nov. 2025
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F, and bake until a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of thigh registers 165°F, 2 hours, 45 minutes to 3 hours, 45 minutes, basting with pan juices every 45 minutes.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
Their skin is separated from the meat so the fat can render beneath it, crisping the surface while basting the flesh from within.
—Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Oct. 2025
John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025
Silicone Craft Series Basting Brush Grillmasters and bakers swear by this silicone basting brush that’s designed with an ergonomic handle and made from heat-resistant, conical bristles.
—Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025
Continue roasting another 2 to 2 1/2 hours, basting with the pan juices every 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 26 Nov. 2025
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F, and bake until a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of thigh registers 165°F, 2 hours, 45 minutes to 3 hours, 45 minutes, basting with pan juices every 45 minutes.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
Their skin is separated from the meat so the fat can render beneath it, crisping the surface while basting the flesh from within.
—Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for basting
Verb
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But more recently, groups of citizens have grown tired of scolding and have begun reaching for the birch rod.—
Nick Bowlin,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
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But acknowledging, or god forbid, scolding the internet for laughing at Kirk would only give it all more power.—
Ryan Broderick,
Rolling Stone,
24 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The sketch concluded with the librarian licking Moynihan's face with a forked tongue and then unbuttoning her blouse — causing all of the boys' heads to explode.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Nov. 2025
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Others, like Ava Louise, do it through viral media stunts, like flashing the New York-Dublin Portal or licking a toilet seat in the beginning of the Covid pandemic.—
Taylor Lorenz,
Rolling Stone,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Christian author Philip Yancey is retiring from writing and lecturing after admitting to a long-running affair with a married woman.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
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After teaching at Sacramento City College and lecturing at UC Davis, Fisher moved into public history, working with the California Office of Historic Preservation and the Architectural History Department at Caltrans.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Despite his mediator role, Rodríguez is also known for his explosive temperament, lashing out in Congress and publicly threatening and insulting members of the opposition.—
Bloomberg Wire,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Jan. 2026
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Trump spent most of 2025 downplaying the significance of the files, at times lashing out against Republicans who demanded the release of information about other potential perpetrators.—
Stephen Fowler,
NPR,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When conversation veers into controversial territory, Gott suggests redirecting rather than reprimanding.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
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To this end, Cucinelli urged the independent players to tap into the online commerce without betraying their identity of exclusivity and desirability, subtly reprimanding those who embraced the gray market outright.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Russia has been pounding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with drones and missiles in recent weeks, a tactic used in previous winters.—
Kosta Gak,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
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But those massive events aren’t the only way for fans to experience the heart-pounding thrills and sense of community that only live sports can deliver.—
Ava Wallace,
Washington Post,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Though George Washington and the press started off amicably, their relationship grew more adversarial once journalists began criticizing the nation’s first president.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
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Mamdani — who came under fire during the race for his past comments criticizing the New York Police Department — on Wednesday also reiterated his intention to keep the city’s current police commissioner, Jessica Tisch.—
Anthony Izaguirre,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The windproof and thermal wool blend fabric is the perfect shell to protect you on the many fall days in Paris, as the whipping wind adds an unexpected cool factor while strolling around town.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Nov. 2025
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Strong, whipping winds are expected to continue across Jamaica throughout the night.—
Matt Nighswander,
NBC news,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Basting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basting. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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