chewing out 1 of 2

noun

as in rebuke

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chewing out

2 of 2

verb

present participle of chew out
as in scolding
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

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 chewing out
Verb
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chewing out
  1. rebuke
  2. scolding
  3. attack
  4. lecturing
  5. reprimand
  6. calling down
  7. criticism
  8. reprimanding
Noun
  • The island’s very existence—a prosperous, democratic Chinese society integrated with the West—offers a stinging rebuke to the claim that authoritarian rule is uniquely suited to the Chinese people.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Legal experts question the legality of the president’s latest action in light of the Supreme Court’s rebuke, on constitutional grounds, of one of his past orders.
    — Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of rebuke
Verb
  • Rather than scolding parents about screens, society could do more to support families in ways that obviate the need for screen time.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Do not punish your dog by scolding or yelling at them, as this may make your dog's behavior worse out of fear or stress.
    — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of scolding
Noun
  • Kyiv has stepped up its attacks on Russia this year, with long-range missiles and swarms of drones targeting military industries and energy facilities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Weeks of Iranian drone and missile attacks on the UAE earlier this year, the vast majority of which were intercepted, sparked tensions among locals and hammered the country's tourism and aviation industry.
    — Jenni Reid,Emma Graham, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of attack
Verb
  • Today, young people are increasingly frustrated with the hypocrisy of politicians lecturing them about the virtues of voting while in practice facilitating disengagement.
    — David Neil, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon criticized Spain for lecturing Israel on security while struggling to control its own border.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of lecturing
Noun
  • The internal affairs investigator recommended a verbal reprimand, which was approved by Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
    — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Socarras, Feldman and two others received internal letters of reprimand but no other discipline.
    — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of reprimand
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
Definition of calling down
Noun
  • The justice ministry rejected the criticism, saying the proceedings complied with Syrian law and included the participation of victims and their representatives.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The documentary spotlighted some harsh criticisms of the show and of Banks.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of criticism
Verb
  • The audience awkwardly chuckles, and Scovel, eyes still closed, begins reprimanding them.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Her Volumnia bellows at her meek daughter-in-law, Virgilia (Justine Faith) as though reprimanding an incompetent private.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of reprimanding

Browse Nearby Words

chewing on
chewing out
chewing over
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Cite this Entry

“Chewing out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chewing%20out. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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