as in scolds
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 berates
Late With Scotty Bristol, who berates his writers, helmed by a producer played by Amy Sedaris.
—
Scarlett Harris, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
In another clip, his mother berates Pormanove over the phone for letting the co-streamers shave off parts of his hair.
—Philippe Cordier, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025
Scarlett Harris, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
In another clip, his mother berates Pormanove over the phone for letting the co-streamers shave off parts of his hair.
—Philippe Cordier, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for berates
Verb
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Governance scolds are appalled by the number, as is the pope.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Woke scolds and anti-woke dolts alike objected to the image of Carpenter kneeling in front of a man who appears to be using her hair as a leash.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Continue reading … PODIUM TAKEOVER – Bernie Sanders crashes Schumer news conference, criticizes Democratic Party leadership.—
,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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Dave Smith is a comedian and libertarian who often criticizes both Democrats and Republicans through a libertarian lens.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The same government that lectures Beijing about state capitalism and nonmarket behaviors now practices it at home.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
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But Andres Bernal, a political analyst who lectures at the City University of New York, thinks many young voters look at Cuomo's history of controversy and are reminded of the Democratic Party establishment that has left them disillusioned.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Her school blames a heartbreaking tragedy in her family.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
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And in fact, somebody that Victor blames for the death of his beloved mother.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Berates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/berates. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
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