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
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
Growing up in an Irish immigrant family, Dolan was frequently beaten by his mother who consistently mocked and berated him.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
Trump has repeatedly berated Powell for not bringing the Fed's benchmark down, and has argued that rates should be sharply lower.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
Before the House Judiciary Committee in February, Bondi berated Democratic lawmakers who asked her questions about the handling of the Epstein files and other matters.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
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
Growing up in an Irish immigrant family, Dolan was frequently beaten by his mother who consistently mocked and berated him.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
Trump has repeatedly berated Powell for not bringing the Fed's benchmark down, and has argued that rates should be sharply lower.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
Before the House Judiciary Committee in February, Bondi berated Democratic lawmakers who asked her questions about the handling of the Epstein files and other matters.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for berated
Verb
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The child, now 6 years old, only hears her full name when she's being scolded — though Kendra and Bill are currently trying to undo that pattern.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
27 May 2026
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Katie Porter scolded, Tom Steyer channeled Bernie.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
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.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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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.—
Ann Kirschner,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
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The employee has been reprimanded.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
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Yeboah was being reprimanded for an incident in Wednesday’s training session, but the exact circumstances are not yet known.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2026
Verb
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One of the most notable examples came when former MVP James Harden publicly criticized then-Houston Rockets executive Daryl Morey after Morey's support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong triggered a backlash from Chinese officials and business partners.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
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Trump harshly criticized Powell throughout his tenure as chair, frequently attacking the Fed’s interest-rate decisions and urging the central bank to cut borrowing costs more aggressively.—
Leah Willingham,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Berated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/berated. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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