as in scolded
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
there's no need to berate someone for making a mistake during the first day on the job
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Recent Examples of berated
As 404 Media reports, Northern District of Mississippi judge Sharion Aycock berated everybody involved in a sanctions order, ultimately fining them, canceling the trial, and barring half of them from appearing in the district’s court for two years.
—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
11 June 2026
Prosecutors said the victim was constantly yelled at, berated and not allowed to go outside unattended.
—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
After a nearfall, Becky got in Jessika Carr’s face and berated her.
—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Refugee advocacy organizations berated the new emergency order.
—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
26 May 2026
In the past, particularly bad fliers could spend the entirety of the attraction being berated by the character of Ohnaka.
—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2026
Some commenters pointed out moments when the robots seemed to mishandle packages and berated robots for occasionally dropping packages.
—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
20 May 2026
The Major League Eating speed-eating record for grits is 21 pounds in 10 minutes, held by Patrick Bertoletti, whose critics berated his gritty performance ad hominy.
—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2026
I’ve been berated by my daughter and my wife (who was sleeping) for overreacting and being rude for two days now.
—
Joe Kinsey Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
11 June 2026
Prosecutors said the victim was constantly yelled at, berated and not allowed to go outside unattended.
—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
After a nearfall, Becky got in Jessika Carr’s face and berated her.
—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Refugee advocacy organizations berated the new emergency order.
—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
26 May 2026
In the past, particularly bad fliers could spend the entirety of the attraction being berated by the character of Ohnaka.
—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2026
Some commenters pointed out moments when the robots seemed to mishandle packages and berated robots for occasionally dropping packages.
—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
20 May 2026
The Major League Eating speed-eating record for grits is 21 pounds in 10 minutes, held by Patrick Bertoletti, whose critics berated his gritty performance ad hominy.
—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2026
I’ve been berated by my daughter and my wife (who was sleeping) for overreacting and being rude for two days now.
—
Joe Kinsey Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for berated
Verb
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Davis remembered once being scolded as a teenager by her mother after being caught speaking poorly of a classmate.
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Well versed in what the lunar surface truly offers, Britt scolded a number of arty accounts of lunar territory promulgated by both NASA and commercial space ventures.
Verb
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Sharon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an Honorary Member of the UK Association of Jungian Analysts, and has taught and lectured at many academic institutions, Jungian organisations, retreat centres and cultural festivals around the world.
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It was also being lectured by people who presented a formulaic perspective on a complicated future that the class of 2026 is already navigating.
Verb
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One notable instance came in season 1 of America's Sweethearts, when Powell was reprimanded for asking where her ornament was on the locker room Christmas tree, as opposed to expressing gratitude for the decorations.
-
Later on during the trial, the judge reprimanded Pino and his supporters for hugging and physical embracing him while court was in session and the jury was present.
Verb
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The program posed a massive political problem for Mamdani, who’s been criticized by both his allies and opponents for his stance.
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While state studies have criticized the state’s education governance model, voters have rejected at least four attempts dating back to 1928 to reform the position.
Cite this Entry
“Berated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/berated. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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