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
Davos delegates didn’t need to hear a political stump speech attacking the American president or be berated by a governor for also not beating up on him.
—
George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Milwaukee activists and residents berated Police Chief Jeffrey Norman for his trip to Israel for a six-day training session.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Minaj berated the female guard while recording the exchange.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2026
In fact, according to the Buffalo News, the coach called the outlet from the team plane and berated the officials even more.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Anyone standing near you has the right not to get screamed at, berated, or kicked in the nuts.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 6 Dec. 2025
Earlier in the month, a Thai pageant director berated Bosch during a pre-pageant meeting, triggering a mass walkout of contestants.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025
Chicago mother Corshawnda Hatter and her children were recently followed, berated and physically beaten by a group of youngsters during what should have been an innocent walk home from school.
—Essence, 26 Nov. 2025
The Mexican model's victory came after a Miss Universe Organization executive berated her and a judge resigned from the pageant's panel.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Nov. 2025
George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Milwaukee activists and residents berated Police Chief Jeffrey Norman for his trip to Israel for a six-day training session.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Minaj berated the female guard while recording the exchange.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2026
In fact, according to the Buffalo News, the coach called the outlet from the team plane and berated the officials even more.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Anyone standing near you has the right not to get screamed at, berated, or kicked in the nuts.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 6 Dec. 2025
Earlier in the month, a Thai pageant director berated Bosch during a pre-pageant meeting, triggering a mass walkout of contestants.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025
Chicago mother Corshawnda Hatter and her children were recently followed, berated and physically beaten by a group of youngsters during what should have been an innocent walk home from school.
—Essence, 26 Nov. 2025
The Mexican model's victory came after a Miss Universe Organization executive berated her and a judge resigned from the pageant's panel.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for berated
Verb
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During the trip, the priest who was showing them around was scolded.—
McKinley Franklin,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
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The president himself scolded a New York Times reporter for asking about the cost and whether Amazon was seeking to get in his good graces.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Michael Woroniecki lectured about Satan being a very powerful force.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
17 Jan. 2026
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If someone senses they’re being lectured or criticized, their walls will go up, and the conversation will stall.—
Devon Kuntzman,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dorsainvil recalled also being reprimanded for promoting an event at the center via a billboard and for speaking with media.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Jan. 2026
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The law banning smoking in restaurants hadn’t yet taken effect, but Wheeler reprimanded him anyway.—
Nell Freudenberger,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Chinese state media criticized the H20 for lacking technological prowess and being environmentally unfriendly, with regulators eventually halting imports over security concerns.—
Joe Toscano,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Liston questioned why Pretti was carrying a handgun — which appeared to be removed from its holster by an officer just before the shooting — and Baisley criticized Minneapolis’ local leadership and immigrants without proper legal status.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Berated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/berated. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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