as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
I was called down by my supervisor for not catching the accounting error sooner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of call down
But the game changer, a change in field practices that drove use of force on crisis calls down by 68% over a four-year period, was a different type of training — a mandatory one that Anderson helped craft.
—
Calmatters, Mercury News, 5 May 2025
The next day the family was called down to the station to pick up Skip.
—Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Battling In The Skies The interceptors stand between Ukrainian forces and Russian drones, including reconnaissance drones which call down artillery and rocket fire and attack drones.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Battling In The Skies The interceptors stand between Ukrainian forces and Russian drones, including reconnaissance drones which call down artillery and rocket fire and attack drones.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
But Robbins' life was soon upended when he got called down to the principal’s office at Harriton High School and accused of selling drugs.
—Christine Pelisek, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Four security guards were called down, and the employee ultimately left.
—Julia Shapero, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2025
Trail Cams Go To War Trail Cams could be used like the sensors in Igloo White, to call down attacks on logistics vehicles by FPV drones.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
But Robbins' life was soon upended when he got called down to the principal’s office at Harriton High School and accused of selling drugs.
—Christine Pelisek, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Calmatters, Mercury News, 5 May 2025
The next day the family was called down to the station to pick up Skip.
—Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Battling In The Skies The interceptors stand between Ukrainian forces and Russian drones, including reconnaissance drones which call down artillery and rocket fire and attack drones.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Battling In The Skies The interceptors stand between Ukrainian forces and Russian drones, including reconnaissance drones which call down artillery and rocket fire and attack drones.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
But Robbins' life was soon upended when he got called down to the principal’s office at Harriton High School and accused of selling drugs.
—Christine Pelisek, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Four security guards were called down, and the employee ultimately left.
—Julia Shapero, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2025
Trail Cams Go To War Trail Cams could be used like the sensors in Igloo White, to call down attacks on logistics vehicles by FPV drones.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
But Robbins' life was soon upended when he got called down to the principal’s office at Harriton High School and accused of selling drugs.
—Christine Pelisek, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call down
Verb
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After performing spirited pieces from the Prime Video superhero drama at Deadline’s Sound & Screen: Television event, composers Christopher Lennertz and Matt Bowen were asked if they’ve ever been scolded for going too far with their music.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
8 May 2025
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Similar circumstances were noted at most airports across the country, with media reporting that those without a Real ID have faced little more than a scolding from TSA agents or a reminder to book an appointment soon to get a Star Card.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
7 May 2025
Verb
-
In an extraordinary break between the two allies, Trump lectured Zelensky on his weak position in negotiations and in the war.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
-
This resilience makes Zelensky’s bristling at being lectured by Vance on his nation’s sacrifice and peril easier to understand.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Doctor, who has clearly been keeping tabs on Earth, brings Conrad into the TARDIS to reprimand him for betraying Ruby and using people’s fears and insecurity for his own gain.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
3 May 2025
-
The vote to reprimand Vaughn was 6-1, with Vaughn in opposition.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Nevertheless, Buck tells Chim that no one blames him for what happened.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
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In October, the gang was blamed for killing more than 70 people in Pont-Sondé, the biggest massacre in Haiti’s recent history.—
Dánica Coto,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Verb
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Several Democratic members of Congress criticized her firing.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
-
The late pope criticized both laissez-faire capitalism and state-centric socialism, giving shape to a distinctly Catholic vein of economic teaching.—
Nicole Winfield,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
Verb
-
Judy is also rarely seen dressed down, but her skirt suits and perm lend her a more awkward air.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
-
The Blue Crush actress, 42, dressed down for the occasion in a black long sleeve, v-neck shirt and wide leg jeans.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Call down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call%20down. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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