chew out

verb

Definition of chew outnext
as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings the coach chews out even the stars of the team if they fail to show up for practice

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of chew out Kittens chew to relieve teething discomfort, while adult cats may chew out of boredom, stress or habit. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026 It was widely reported that team president Masai Ujiri went into Casey’s office after Game 3 to chew out the coach for not preparing his team better to defend James’ memorable game-winner over OG Anunoby, who is now a Knick. — Eric Koreen, New York Times, 27 May 2026 The episode ends with Kyle’s mom chewing out Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his actions in the ongoing war. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025 About eight or nine hours into a punishing shoot, nerves were fraying, and Mike McGuirk was getting chewed out by a camera operator. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chew out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chew out
  1. scold
  2. lecture
  3. reprimand
  4. blame
  5. criticize
  6. bawl out
  7. call down
Verb
  • In one snap, the President, viewed from above, points his finger crossly, as if scolding a scrum of unruly children.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
  • Kirson remembered, adding that, minutes later, the show’s production team scolded her.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026
Definition of scold
Verb
  • In no way, shape or form should an INDYCAR driver be lecturing NASCAR on the excitement level of races.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
  • He was internationally known as an expert on the work of William Faulkner, teaching and lecturing around the world on the Nobel Prize winner.
    — Rebecca McCarthy, AJC.com, 13 July 2026
Definition of lecture
Verb
  • According to state records, Tolliver was reprimanded by the state’s Education Practices Commission and given two years of probation from teaching in 2012.
    — Austin Horn July 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • The Israeli soldier who physically assaulted a CNN photojournalist in March was formally reprimanded by his commanders for his use of force but faces no criminal charges in the matter, the Israeli military said Monday.
    — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
Definition of reprimand
Verb
  • Baela isn’t sleeping or eating and is frantically seeking redemption after blaming herself for Jace’s death.
    — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • This oversimplification blamed women’s lack of representation in leadership roles on individual women themselves.
    — Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of blame
Verb
  • The rivalry between New York and Florida — and California and Florida, too — has also become heated as the wealthy have publicly criticized blue states and announced their decisions to relocate.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • The bodycam video also sparked reaction online, with several conservative accounts criticizing Hostin for invoking her legal background during the encounter.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • As my mother bawled out her lungs, the doctor and the nurses remained speechless, stunned not only by my disproportionate weight but also by my appearance: a Chinese Buddha whose eyes were unmoving, untrusting.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Trippier and Burn are organisers and not afraid to bawl out their team-mates.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Definition of bawl out
Verb
  • This year, the irrigators began calling down water on July 1, boosting flows in the Colorado River.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 16 July 2026
  • Armed with a name, Polyphemus is able to call down his father’s wrath on Odysseus.
    — Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 June 2026
Definition of call down

Browse Nearby Words

chew on
chew out
chew over
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chew out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chew%20out. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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