as in rebuke
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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
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Recent Examples of chewing out
Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025
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
Noun
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In this context, the Hall snub is a fitting—if unjustified—rebuke.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 Jan. 2026
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Despite the rebuke, his voice already sounded mellower—syrupy even.—
Jonathan Miles,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Sanders, by now a perennial candidate, perfected his craggy, scolding, mitten-waving style.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2026
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But more recently, groups of citizens have grown tired of scolding and have begun reaching for the birch rod.—
Nick Bowlin,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
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His June assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities had two carrier groups in the region, more there as a counter-weight to any Iranian reprisals than to be directly involved in the attack.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
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Senegal -- The Islamic State extremist group claimed responsibility on Friday for an attack on an air force base in Niger's capital that wounded four soldiers and damaged an aircraft.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Christian author Philip Yancey is retiring from writing and lecturing after admitting to a long-running affair with a married woman.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
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After teaching at Sacramento City College and lecturing at UC Davis, Fisher moved into public history, working with the California Office of Historic Preservation and the Architectural History Department at Caltrans.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Violators face nothing more serious than firing, reduction in salary grade, a ban on federal employment for up to five years, suspension, reprimand or a fine of up to $1,000.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
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Kelly also argued that Hegseth’s potential reprimand of a sitting senator would have a chilling effect on other military veterans.—
Anne Flaherty,
ABC News,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, Walz abandoned his campaign for a third term this month amid criticism over mismanagement of taxpayer funding for child care programs.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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Continue reading … ‘NEVER AGAIN’ – Tim Walz to end political career amid fraud scandal and party criticism.—
,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In the appeal to you, gentle readers, to email us with your thoughts, questions, reproofs, corrections, jokes, recipes, etc.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
9 May 2025
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Advertisement China’s Foreign Ministry also issued a vehement reproof.—
Elaine Kurtenbach,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Censures, a means of formally reprimanding a lawmaker without going so far as to expel them, have historically been rare; in the 200 years after Congress first convened, only 22 House members were censured.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
21 Nov. 2025
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When conversation veers into controversial territory, Gott suggests redirecting rather than reprimanding.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Chewing out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chewing%20out. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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