BAWL OUT Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

bawl out

verb

Definition of bawl out

as in to scold

to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings got bawled out by the boss for missing another important deadline

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of bawl out Trippier and Burn are organisers and not afraid to bawl out their team-mates. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026 Women stopped to bawl out the police, who accepted this dressing-down with quiet embarrassment. — National Geographic, 11 Aug. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bawl out

Verb

For over a year, the White House has scolded and threatened the Smithsonian.

— Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
Some intergenerational sparring ensues, as Kevin scolds Arthur for his more outré boomer comments, and Arthur in turn sneers at his grandson’s millennial lameness.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of scold

Verb

Luann patiently attempts to explain that the women don’t like being lectured to about their business affairs, only for Vicki to abruptly answer a phone call mid-conversation.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Robert Pozen, who lectures at MIT Sloan School of Management and was formerly president of Fidelity Investments, has an answer to the obvious question about who inspects this.

— Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of lecture

Verb

Judge William Sullivan declined to declare a mistrial but sharply reprimanded the prosecution and told the jury to disregard Heilbrun’s statements on Clancy’s faith.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
The lawsuit says the officer was reprimanded and removed from further field training of Wadell.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of reprimand

Verb

Kittens chew to relieve teething discomfort, while adult cats may chew out of boredom, stress or habit.

— Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
It was widely reported that team president Masai Ujiri went into Casey’s office after Game 3 to chew out the coach for not preparing his team better to defend James’ memorable game-winner over OG Anunoby, who is now a Knick.

— Eric Koreen, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Definition of chew out

Browse Nearby Words

bawling out

bawl out

bawls

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“Bawl out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bawl%20out. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bawl out

verb

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